Kirk Cousins has recently expressed his feelings of being ‘misled’ by the Atlanta Falcons following their decision to draft quarterback Michael Penix Jr. shortly after signing Cousins to a significant contract. The 36-year-old quarterback, who joined the Falcons in March 2024 on a four-year, $180 million deal after his tenure with the Minnesota Vikings, expected to be the team’s starting quarterback for the foreseeable future. However, just weeks after his signing, the Falcons selected Penix Jr., 25, as the No. 8 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
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In a surprising turn of events, Cousins found himself struggling to adapt to the team’s offensive system during the initial stages of the season, leading to Penix Jr. taking over as the starting quarterback in mid-December. This unfolding drama in the world of NFL prompted Cousins to share his sentiments in the upcoming season of Netflix’s Quarterback series, set to premiere on July 8. Titled “New Beginnings,” the first episode features intimate conversations with Cousins and fellow quarterback Jared Goff about the challenges of transitioning to a new team and city.
The veteran quarterback revealed that he felt let down by the Falcons’ management for not disclosing their intentions to draft Penix Jr. This lack of transparency left Cousins feeling blindsided, especially given his contentment in Minnesota and the possibility of signing a short-term deal with the Vikings. Cousins implied that he might have stayed with the Vikings had he known about the Falcons’ plans, highlighting a sense of being misled in the decision-making process.
Reflecting on his experience, Cousins acknowledged the unpredictability of the NFL and the constant need to prove oneself regardless of tenure in the league. Despite feeling like he was starting afresh with the Falcons after over a decade playing professionally, Cousins remained resolute in his commitment to earning his spot on the team. The emotional toll of this transition also extends to his family, as they grapple with adjusting to a new city and lifestyle.
As rumors circulate surrounding Cousins’ future with the Falcons and the team’s potential preference for Penix Jr. as the starting quarterback, the uncertainty looms over the upcoming 2025 NFL season. With Quarterback season two now available for streaming on Netflix, viewers gain a behind-the-scenes look at Cousins’ journey as he navigates the challenges of acclimating to a new team dynamic while balancing family life. This season promises a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the trials and tribulations of a seasoned quarterback in the ever-evolving landscape of professional football.