Kirk Cousins describes moment he learned the Falcons were drafting Michael Penix Jr.
Kirk Cousins thought he had new NFL life with the Falcons. He certainly is receiving a hefty check with this new gig. Then came a phone call as he was leaving a draft party.
The Falcons were drafting a quarterback. OK, what round? Pick No. 8, in the first round.
We’re not sure if Cousins reacted with silence when he heard the word that his new team was about to select Michael Penix Jr. (It was another shock that Penix had gone from fringe first rounder to top 10).
Here’s how he described the conversation. “They called me and said, ‘We’re going to take a quarterback here,’ and I’m like, ‘OK.’ It was pretty straightforward. Really, if you know my story, this is more of the norm of the journey.”
Earlier this week, Cousins spoke, publicly for the first time since the Falcons pulled off the most stunning move of the NFL Draft. After signing the 35-year-old Cousins in a free agency to the tune of $180 million, Atlanta then selected Penix. Cousins conceded he was “stunned” at the draft move. So was everyone else who consumes the NFL Draft the same way college football fans do with National Signing Day. There are weeks and weeks of position and overall rankings. And there are so many mock drafts. It all culminates in three days of drafting, with 257 players finding new teams.
What does the team do with this sort of talent?
Penix was in Atlanta this past weekend for rookie minicamp. Meanwhile, Cousins still has a tender Achilles after rupturing it last October when he played for the Vikings. The Falcons started OTAs this week and Cousins practiced with his teammates. Penix was also there.
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As Cousins pointed out to reporters, his “norm” is having to compete for his job. It was true at Michigan State. Washington selected Cousins in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft. That was three rounds after the team drafted Robert Griffin III. He also knew the Vikings eventually would select his replacement if he stayed long enough.
In all the cases, Cousins outlasted his competition.
New Falcons coach Raheem Morris keeps assuring everyone that Cousins is tops on the depth chart. Atlanta thinks they are a decent quarterback away from doing great things in the NFC. Cousins wants to keep the vibe a pleasant, supportive one.
“I think it’s so important that the quarterback room is just working together to help one another succeed,” Cousins said. “That’s the way it’s always been. That’s the way it always needs to be, no matter what the names are in the room.”