Kirk Cousins reportedly stunned by Falcons pick after signing massive offseason contract

Admin April 26, 2024

Fans and media alike were surprised when the Atlanta Falcons selected Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 overall. According to reports, so was recently signed Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Per NFL Network’s Jane Slater, Cousins was shocked and disappointed that Atlanta chose Penix Jr.

The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reports that Cousins was informed of the Penix Jr. pick but Cousins said he did not believe a quarterback would be selected at No. 8 overall.

NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport stated on the broadcast prior to the announcement of the No. 8 overall pick that the Falcons were considering selecting Penix Jr. at that pick. He later stated that Cousins was given a heads up prior to the selection.

Fellow NFL Network insider Daniel Jeremiah added during the network’s broadcast that Cousins’ agent was not informed of the pick either.

Kirk Cousins contract: Four years, $180 million

Cousins signed the biggest deal of free agency this year with a four year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed. The contract also includes a no-trade clause and he’ll earn $62.5 million in 2024 alone.

If the Falcons cut him ahead of 2025, he’ll cost at least $40 million against the Falcons’ salary cap in dead money. That hit goes down to at least $12.5 million if he’s cut ahead of 2026 or 2027.