-
Marc Raimondi
Kirk Cousins stated he might need re-signed with the Minnesota Vikings final offseason had he identified the Atlanta Falcons would draft a quarterback within the first spherical.
For the primary time publicly, the veteran opened up on his emotions in regards to the Falcons taking Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 choose within the 2024 draft in an episode of the Netflix collection “Quarterback,” which premiered Tuesday.
Cousins stated he felt “a little bit bit misled” when the Falcons took Penix that top. The Falcons had signed Cousins to a contract price at the least $100 million assured just some weeks earlier, tabbing him as their quarterback for 2024 and past. Atlanta then shocked the NFL — and Cousins — by drafting Penix, as a result of the franchise believed in him as a future franchise QB.
Cousins stated he was conscious the Falcons may draft a quarterback, however undoubtedly not that top. He wasn’t knowledgeable in regards to the Penix choose till a telephone name by offensive coordinator Zac Robinson whereas Atlanta was on the clock.
“Definitely, if I had the data round free company, it definitely would’ve affected my resolution,” Cousins stated on the primary episode of the season. “I had no cause to depart Minnesota with how a lot we beloved it there if each groups are going to be drafting a quarterback excessive. However I’ve additionally discovered in 12 years on this league that you simply’re not entitled to something. It is all about having the ability to earn your spot and show your self.”
The Vikings, who did prolong a suggestion to Cousins final offseason, drafted quarterback J.J. McCarthy with the tenth choose within the 2024 draft.
Cousins led the Falcons to a 6-3 begin final season earlier than taking a tough hit to his proper arm from New Orleans Saints defensive finish Payton Turner in Week 10. Cousins stated on “Quarterback” that he knew one thing was flawed instantly after which later felt ache in his shoulder.
The Falcons’ season took a pointy downward flip starting with that sport. Atlanta misplaced 4 straight, with Cousins throwing eight interceptions and no landing passes throughout that stretch, the worst of his 13-year profession.
Cousins stated at obligatory minicamp final month that he realized after the season ended that he had been extra injured than initially thought. On the time, he stated, it felt like simply extra ache he needed to work by, like so many bumps and bruises prior to now.
Cousins appeared on the Falcons’ damage report solely as soon as after the hit, in Week 11. After that sport, a loss on the Denver Broncos, Cousins claimed he was one hundred pc.
On “Quarterback,” Cousins admitted he did not wish to sit and relaxation the arm, giving technique to Penix, as a result of he wasn’t certain if he’d get his job again.
“The data I had on the time, I made the perfect resolution,” Cousins stated. “You additionally know that for those who sit down Week 10 and take two or three weeks or extra to let it heal, chances are you’ll by no means get your job again. I keep in mind studying Drew Brees’ guide again in 2010 when he first wrote it, how he made the purpose that he tried to by no means let his backup see the sector — even when it was anyone who was actually no risk. He simply felt like you need to by no means do this. Doug Flutie taught him that.
“In order that was one thing I at all times was conscious of, that on this league, for those who give another person the prospect, if you wish to get ‘Wally Pipped’ and there is Lou Gehrig behind you, that may occur on the time.”
The Falcons did ultimately bench Cousins in Week 16. Penix took over and performed solidly, although the crew went 1-2 in these video games and missed the playoffs.
Most across the league anticipated the Falcons to launch Cousins this offseason, nevertheless it did not occur. The Falcons picked up his $10 million bonus in March and he stays on the roster heading into coaching camp.
Falcons basic supervisor Terry Fontenot has stated that Cousins is price extra to the crew as Penix’s backup than enjoying for another person, particularly for the reason that Falcons are on the hook for $27.5 million of his wage this season both means. Atlanta would certainly hearken to commerce gives in the event that they’re on the market, with the hope {that a} crew is prepared to tackle a piece of that assured cash.
“It hurts to enter work, however you bought to be an grownup,” Cousins stated about being benched. “You have to be a grown man and deal with it with maturity. I really feel sorry for myself and it is onerous to do, however that is what you bought to do. And in order that’s form of the place my focus went.”
