Photo: Getty Images
The Atlanta Falcons' decision to draft quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with their first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft Thursday (April 25) night reportedly "stunned" recently-signed franchise quarterback Kirk Cousins, sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed to the Athletic's Dianna Russini.
"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," Russini wrote on her X account.
The Falcons selected Penix, the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy, at No. 8 overall, which ESPN's Adam Schefter said was part of the team's long-term plan, despite its recent investment in Cousins, 35, who signed a four-year, $180 million last month.
Cousins, who spent the past six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in October, but shared clips of his remarkable recovery earlier in the offseason, after undergoing successful Achilles surgery on November 1. The 35-year-old threw for 274 yards and two touchdowns on 23 of 31 passing prior to exiting the Vikings' October 29 win against the Green Bay Packers due to his season-ending Achilles injury.
Cousins entered Week 3 with the third-most passing yards (2,057) and second-most passing touchdowns (16) among all NFL quarterbacks.