The NFL is a league built on narratives, and few have been as captivating and complex in recent memory as the one unfolding in Atlanta, centered around veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins and rookie sensation Michael Penix Jr. The raw emotions and behind-the-scenes insights have been brought to the forefront with the release of Netflix’s “Quarterback” Season 2, offering a candid look into Cousins’ surprising reaction to the Falcons’ polarizing draft decision.
Just weeks after signing a colossal four-year, $180 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons, promising to be their long-term franchise quarterback, Kirk Cousins found himself in an unenviable position. The Falcons, much to the shock of the entire NFL world, selected Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Now, Cousins has broken his silence, revealing a feeling of being “a little bit misled” by the organization.
“Certainly, if I had the information around free agency, it certainly would’ve affected my decision,” Cousins states in the docuseries. He elaborated, emphasizing that he “had no reason to leave Minnesota with how much we loved it there if both teams are going to be drafting a quarterback high.” This powerful revelation cuts to the core of what many speculated after the draft: a significant miscommunication, or perhaps a calculated gamble by the Falcons that backfired in the short term.
Cousins’ departure from the Minnesota Vikings was, in part, driven by their inclination to draft a young quarterback and their offer of a shorter-term deal. He sought stability and a clear path as a starter, which he believed the Falcons were offering with their lucrative, long-term commitment. The Penix pick, therefore, felt like a betrayal of that understanding, essentially pulling the rug out from under him before he even took a snap in a Falcons uniform.
The drama only intensified as the 2024 NFL season progressed. Cousins, despite his significant investment, struggled with inconsistencies and a concerning turnover rate, throwing an NFL-leading 16 interceptions. This ultimately led to his benching late in the season, with Michael Penix Jr. stepping into the starting role. While Penix’s initial starts yielded mixed results (a 1-2 record with three touchdowns and three interceptions), he showcased flashes of the big-play ability and aggressive downfield throwing that captivated the Falcons’ front office.
Heading into the 2025 NFL season, the narrative has firmly shifted. Michael Penix Jr. has officially been named the Atlanta Falcons’ starting quarterback, relegating the $180 million man, Kirk Cousins, to a very expensive backup role. This decision has sparked intense speculation about Cousins’ future in Atlanta, with trade rumors swirling despite the challenging financial implications of his contract.
Cousins’ candid remarks on “Quarterback” highlight the raw human element in professional sports. Despite the immense financial rewards, athletes, especially those at the pinnacle of their careers, desire trust, clarity, and a clear path. The Falcons’ gamble on Penix Jr. undeniably created a volatile situation, one that will continue to be a dominant storyline in the upcoming NFL season. As Penix Jr. embarks on his first full year as the undisputed starter, all eyes will be on Atlanta to see if their bold draft strategy pays off, and how Kirk Cousins navigates this unexpected turn in his storied career.
