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Kirk Cousins shares detail on Netflix series that could damage the Falcons' reputation and raise major questions in NFL circles

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Wendell Ferreira | Last updated Jul 8, 2025 12:31 PM ET

The Atlanta Falcons starred in one of the most unusual sequences of moves in recent memory last offseason. Less than two months after giving veteran Kirk Cousins a four-year, $180 million contract in free agency, the team used the eighth overall pick in the draft to select fellow quarterback Michael Penix Jr. And it wasn't just the fans and analysts that were surprised by the moves.

Cousins himself was shocked by how things shook out. Ultimately, the veteran didn't play well in his first season on the Falcons and lost the starting job through the year.

Cousins reveals he was misled

The big problem for Kirk Cousins is that he didn't expect to have this type of competition. Had he been informed of the team's plans, his free agency decision would probably have been different. He discussed the topic during Netflix's series 'Quarterback,' which had a new season released on Tuesday.

"Certainly, if I had that information around free agency, it would’ve affected my decision," Cousins said. "I had no reason to leave Minnesota, with how much we loved it there, if both teams were going to be drafting a quarterback high. But I've also learned in 12 years in this league that you're not entitled to anything. It's all about earning your spot and proving yourself."

Tough outcome

Cousins played six seasons for the Minnesota Vikings, but the team decided to go younger and cheaper at the position. They offered Cousins a smaller deal to be what Sam Darnold ended up being for J.J. McCarthy, but Cousins decided to make more money and have a longer-term leash as an expected starter.

The deal Cousins signed with the Falcons had $100 million in guarantees, which meant the two first seasons fully guaranteed, plus an early trigger for $10 million in 2026 guarantees—and it became fully guaranteed on the fifth day of the 2025 league year). While the money was better in Atlanta, the situation ended up similar.

Now, everything is murky. The Falcons don't want to release Cousins without having some type of compensation, and the quarterback has a no-trade clause—so Atlanta can't simply move him to any team. It has to be an outcome that works for both sides, and it hasn't happened so far. Meanwhile, the veteran will begin the 2025 season as a backup quarterback, something he hasn't experienced since his early Washington days behind Robert Griffin III.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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