Kirk Cousins Says He Felt ‘Misled’ by Falcons After Michael Penix Jr. Pick: ‘Knowing the Plan Would’ve Affected My Decision’…see more…
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins recently opened up about the surprise selection of Michael Penix Jr. in the 2024 NFL Draft, expressing feelings of being “misled” by the organization. In a candid interview, Cousins admitted that if he had known the team planned to invest a first-round pick in a rookie quarterback, it might have influenced his decision to sign with Atlanta in the first place.
A Shocking Draft-Day Move
Cousins, 36, signed a four-year, $180 million deal with the Falcons during the 2024 free agency period. At the time, it was widely assumed he was being brought in to lead the franchise for the foreseeable future. But just weeks after signing, the Falcons used the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to select Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr., a move that caught fans — and Cousins — off guard.
“It’s not what I expected,” Cousins said during a recent appearance on Bussin’ With the Boys. “If I had known we were drafting a quarterback that high, it definitely would’ve affected how I viewed the situation. I think anybody in my position would feel the same.”
The Falcons’ Perspective
At the time of the draft, Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris insisted the pick was about long-term planning and securing a future at quarterback — not an indictment of Cousins. Still, the decision to select a quarterback so early, especially one considered a potential starter within the next few seasons, sparked speculation about how committed the team truly was to Cousins.
“We view Michael as a great talent and someone who can develop under a proven veteran like Kirk,” Morris told reporters during the draft. “Kirk is our starter. There’s no controversy here.”
But according to Cousins, that message wasn’t clearly communicated before the ink dried on his contract.
Cousins’ Reaction
When asked whether the Falcons had disclosed their draft intentions prior to his signing, Cousins paused and carefully responded.
“There’s a level of transparency you expect when you make a big career move,” he said. “I don’t want to throw anyone under the bus, but I was surprised — and yeah, a bit misled. It’s hard not to feel that way when the picture you’re presented doesn’t match the actions taken afterward.”
Cousins, known for his professionalism and level-headed demeanor, made it clear he’s not trying to create controversy. Instead, he said he’s trying to be honest about how events unfolded.
“This is a business, and I get that. But it’s also about trust and communication,” he added.
A Future in Flux?
Despite the apparent tension, Cousins remains the clear-cut starter going into training camp. Reports from Falcons OTAs and minicamp indicate he’s quickly developed chemistry with the offense and embraced a leadership role. He’s expected to be under center when the Falcons open the 2025 season.
Meanwhile, Penix Jr. has drawn praise for his arm strength and football IQ but remains very much a developmental player. The team has repeatedly insisted there’s no quarterback controversy and that Penix is simply being groomed for the future.
Still, NFL insiders are already wondering how long this arrangement can last.
“Let’s be honest — the clock is ticking,” said ESPN analyst Mina Kimes. “You don’t take a quarterback that high and let him sit forever. The Falcons are hoping Kirk plays well enough to give them time, but eventually, they’ll have to make a decision.”
Comparisons and Precedents
Cousins’ situation isn’t unique. Similar tensions arose when the Packers drafted Jordan Love while Aaron Rodgers was still under contract, and again when the Patriots drafted Jimmy Garoppolo while Tom Brady was in his prime. In both cases, the veteran quarterbacks were frustrated by the lack of transparency and the implicit challenge to their roles.
“Kirk’s handling it professionally, but the underlying dynamics are there,” former NFL quarterback Alex Smith said on NFL Live. “Anytime you bring in a high-profile rookie, it changes the energy in the quarterback room.”
Locker Room Impact
So far, Falcons players have downplayed any potential locker room drama. Wide receiver Drake London called Cousins “a leader from day one,” while rookie tight end Brock Bowers said Penix is “soaking up knowledge” and “not stepping on toes.”
Still, some players admit the situation is “a little awkward.”
“You can feel it,” said an unnamed player via The Athletic. “It’s not drama, but you know Kirk’s watching everything, and Mike’s just trying to keep his head down.”
Cousins Focused on Football
Despite the distractions, Cousins said he remains focused on helping the Falcons win. After tearing his Achilles during the 2023 season with the Minnesota Vikings, he’s now fully healthy and eager to prove he can still play at a high level.
“I’m locked in on this season,” he said. “There’s nothing I can do about the past or what may happen two or three years from now. My job is to lead this team and win games — and that’s what I’m here to do.”
What’s Next?
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on how the Falcons manage the dynamic between their veteran starter and the rookie waiting in the wings. While both players have downplayed any tension, the unusual sequence of events has left fans and media analysts alike wondering about the team’s long-term plan.
Will Cousins remain the Falcons’ starter for the duration of his contract? Or will Atlanta’s investment in Penix signal a quicker-than-expected transition?
One thing is certain: the spotlight on Atlanta’s quarterback room won’t be dimming anytime soon.
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