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Marc Raimondi
Kirk Cousins might need re-signed with the Minnesota Vikings final offseason had he recognized the Atlanta Falcons would draft a quarterback within the first spherical.
For the primary time publicly, the veteran opened up on his emotions concerning the Falcons taking Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 general decide within the 2024 draft in an episode of the Netflix sequence “Quarterback,” which premiered Tuesday.
Cousins mentioned he felt “slightly bit misled” when the Falcons took Penix that prime. The Falcons had signed Cousins to a contract value at the least $100 million assured only a few weeks earlier, tabbing him as their quarterback for 2024 and past. Then, Atlanta shocked the NFL — and Cousins — by taking Penix within the prime 10, as a result of the franchise believed in him as a future franchise QB.
Cousins was conscious the Falcons would possibly draft a quarterback, however positively not that prime. He wasn’t knowledgeable concerning the Penix decide till a cellphone name by offensive coordinator Zac Robinson whereas Atlanta was on the clock.
“Definitely, if I had the knowledge round free company, it actually would’ve affected my choice,” Cousins mentioned on the primary episode of the season. “I had no purpose to depart Minnesota with how a lot we liked it there if each groups are going to be drafting a quarterback excessive. However I’ve additionally realized in 12 years on this league that you just’re not entitled to something. It is all about having the ability to earn your spot and show your self.”
The Vikings, who did lengthen a suggestion to Cousins final offseason, drafted quarterback J.J. McCarthy with the tenth decide within the 2024 draft.
Cousins led the Falcons to a 6-3 begin final season. In Week 10, Cousins took successful from New Orleans Saints defensive finish Payton Turner that slammed in opposition to Cousins’ proper arm. Cousins mentioned on “Quarterback” that he knew one thing was mistaken straight away after which, later, felt ache in his shoulder.
The Falcons season took a pointy downward flip starting with that recreation. Atlanta misplaced 4 straight, with Cousins throwing eight interceptions and no landing passes throughout that stretch, the worst of his 13-year profession.
Cousins mentioned at necessary minicamp final month that after the season ended, he realized he was extra injured than he thought. On the time, he mentioned, it felt like simply extra ache he needed to work by means of like so many bumps and bruises up to now.
Cousins solely appeared on the Falcons damage report as soon as after the hit, in Week 11. After that recreation, a loss on the Denver Broncos, Cousins claimed he was 100%.
On “Quarterback,” Cousins admitted he did not need to sit and relaxation the arm, giving technique to Penix, as a result of he wasn’t positive if he’d get his job again.
“The knowledge I had on the time, I made the very best choice,” Cousins mentioned. “You additionally know that when you sit down Week 10 and take two or three weeks or extra to let it heal, it’s possible you’ll by no means get your job again. I bear in mind studying Drew Brees’ e book 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 sphere — even when it was any individual who was actually no risk. He simply felt like it is best 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, when you give another person the prospect, if you wish to get Wally Pip’d and there is Lou Gehrig behind you, that may occur on the time.”
The Falcons did finally 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, but it surely did not occur. The Falcons picked up his $10 million bonus in March and he stays on the roster heading into coaching camp.
The pondering internally is that Cousins is value 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 absolutely take heed 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 mentioned 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 laborious to do, however that is what you bought to do. And in order that’s form of the place my focus went.”