Kirk Cousins was left reeling after a phone call from the Atlanta Falcons just before they selected Michael Penix Jr in the NFL Draft. The decision to pick quarterback Penix Jr as the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft caught many off guard, including Atlanta’s new starting QB Cousins.
Earlier this year, the Falcons made waves by signing Cousins to a four-year deal worth $180 million. The 35-year-old had spent his previous six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, but his impressive 2023 season was cut short due to a torn Achilles injury.
Despite securing Cousins with a hefty contract, Atlanta decided to add more star quality to their quarterback room by drafting Penix Jr. The 23-year-old was the fourth quarterback taken off the board, following Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye, who were the top three picks.
According to The Athletic, the Falcons’ first-round decision came as a shock to Cousins. The Falcons gave Cousins a quick heads-up call just before the pick was made, reports the Mirror.
It’s been reported that he was ‘a bit stunned’, knowing that a quarterback could be selected but not expecting it to happen in the first round.
Before his injury last season, Cousins had an impressive record, completing 216-of-333 passes (64.9%) for 2,331 yards, with 18 touchdowns and just five interceptions. Despite this, there are doubts about the veteran’s longevity and long-term future in Atlanta.
However, the decision to pick Penix Jr. has raised eyebrows.
The Falcons currently owe Cousins a whopping $100 million guaranteed over the next two seasons, and even if they decide to part ways with him after 2025, Penix Jr. would already be 26 years old upon taking the starting reins.
Falcons star tight end Kyle Pitts appeared taken aback during an appearance on B/R Gridiron’s Live Draft Show. “I’m very shocked, I’m not gonna lie. I did think we were going defense, I’m not going to lie, but that definitely just changed up the dynamic.
“As a younger guy who loves to hang around older people, I think this is great for him to learn from such a professional like Kirk and to see how he operates in the building on and off the field.
“He’s a great young player, I’ve been watching him. It’s great to see him and I can’t wait to get him in the building,” he added. “This is a good one, I like this one.”
However, not everyone appeared to be excited about the arrival of Penix Jr. Cameras inside the Falcons’ draft room caught owner Arthur Blank and GM Terry Fontenot in conversation, leading some to speculate that the latter may have been justifying the selection.
For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here.