Kirk Cousins is reportedly taken aback by the Falcons’ selection of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Taking Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall choice on Thursday night, the Atlanta Falcons stunned everyone and earned the title of most unexpected pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Falcons kept their decision so under wraps that they did not even inform Kirk Cousins of their decision. Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Media said during the draft that Cousins and his team were unaware that the Falcons would choose a quarterback with their first choice.

Mike McCartney, the agent for Cousins, said on NFL Network that the Penix selection was “a big surprise.”
“We were unaware that this would occur. The fact is that nobody in the league knew this was going to happen. We were not warned. The Falcons called Kirk when they were in overtime. The first thing we heard was that. It was never discussed in any dialogue.”
According to The Athletic, the Falcons attempted to patch things up by contacting a shocked Cousins to inform him of the selection when they were ON THE CLOCK, but it didn’t make a difference. NFL Media reports that Cousins was “shocked” and “disappointed” by Atlanta’s choice to choose a quarterback.
It makes sense as to why Cousins was taken aback. He had every expectation that he would be Atlanta’s uncontested starting quarterback for the next several years after the Falcons signed him to a four-year, $180 million deal back in March, but the Falcons have suddenly thrown a wrench into the works. The Falcons may opt out of Cousins’ deal after only two seasons if they choose to sign Penix since it only contains $90 million in guaranteed money. Not to add, with Cousins missing the most of the 2023 season due to a ruptured Achilles, Penix is a good insurance policy.
The Falcons made a risky choice when they selected Penix with the eighth overall selection, one that may very well cause some trouble in Atlanta.

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