After the surprise drafting of Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. by the Atlanta Falcons, a controversy immediately arose over how much their just-hired starting quarterback Kirk Cousins knew about the pick and his reaction to it.
The Falcons called Kirk Cousins when they were on the clock to let him know.
From what I learned, Cousins understood a QB would be considered but he did not believe his successor would be taken in the first round. I’m told he’s a bit stunned.— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) April 26, 2024
After the number eight pick was revealed, The Athletic’s NFL reporter Dianna Russini posted that the Falcons called Cousins when they were on the clock to make a decision about the pick. Russini said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that Cousins understood the Falcons could draft a quarterback, but Cousins wasn’t expecting a QB would be chosen in the first round, adding that she was told Cousins was “a bit stunned.”
Later, NFL Network reporter Mike Garafolo also reported a statement from Cousin’s agent Mike McCartney in a post…
From Kirk Cousins’ Agent Mike Mccartney on the #Falcons’ selecting QB Michael Penix Jr. eighth overall. pic.twitter.com/XpIpOQn1ua
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 26, 2024
The pick of Penix Jr. was met with immediate derision from critics after the draft pick was announced. Many expected the Falcons to use their first-round number-eight pick for a defensive player.
Cousins signed a four-year $180 million contract back in March.
