The Atlanta Falcons shocked the NFL world, by selecting Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 5 overall selection in the NFL Draft, including starting quarterback Kirk Cousins whom the Falcons just signed this offseason.
According to a report from NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, Mike McCartney, Cousins’ agent, was not given a heads-up that the Falcons were going to take Penix Jr.
It is one thing to select a rookie quarterback to potentially groom as the face of the franchise for years to come, but it is something a bit different to do so without giving the veteran quarterback already on your roster a warning that you’re planning on going that direction.
Kirk Cousins Contract Details
While there had been a feeling inside the league that Penix would be chosen far higher than many expected he would, before the draft began, it is rather stunning that Atlanta was the team to make the pick.
After all, Kirk Cousins just put pen to paper on a four-year contract worth $180 million just as free agency began back in March.
Cousins’ contract includes a $50 million signing bonus and $100 million guaranteed over the life of the deal. If Penix is the future, Cousins might need to live up to that contract immediately to keep the former Washington standout on the bench for long.
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