Did Kirk Cousins know Falcons were drafting a quarterback?

The Atlanta Falcons signed quarterback Kirk Cousins, who is recovering from an Achilles injury suffered in Week 8 last year, to a four-year deal worth $180 million, with $100 million guaranteed. Then in Thursday’s draft, they shocked everyone when they drafted a quarterback in the first round, No. 8 overall. Even Cousins was caught off guard.

Cousins “stunned” by Penix draft

Cousins was aware that the Falcons would be drafting another quarterback, but was told it would be in the later rounds. So when they called to tell him when they were on the clock that they’d be drafting University of Washington’s Michael Penix Jr., he was stunned. Players like Rome Odunze and Olu Fashanu were still available, but Atlanta chose to go with a signal caller instead.

Penix Jr. is 24 years old - older than most NFL rookie quarterbacks - which is the main concern surrounding him. That, and the fact that he’s had several ACL injuries throughout his college career. Even still, he is a talented quarterback, having thrown for 4,903 yards and 36 touchdowns in 2023 and leadint Washington to a 14-1 record and a CFP National Championship.

Penix will serve as Cousins’ backup in the same way that Jordan Love served as Aaron Rodgers’ backup, learning from him for a few years before eventually taking over.