Kirk Cousins Reacts To Falcons’ Surprise Draft Pick: ‘Stewardship Over Ownership’

In a move that shocked the football world, the Atlanta Falcons sent shockwaves through the NFL landscape by not only signing Kirk Cousins to a record-breaking contract but also by selecting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with their first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

The Falcons’ decision to invest in Cousins, handing him a staggering four-year, $180 million deal, raised eyebrows across the league. While Cousins brings a wealth of experience and talent to the table, the huge price tag attached to him left many wondering if the Falcons had overpaid for their new franchise quarterback.

However, the news came when Atlanta used their first-round pick on Penix, which caught Cousins entirely off guard. Reports from NFL Media suggest that Cousins was “shocked” and “disappointed” by the Falcons’ decision, highlighting the apparent lack of communication between the quarterback and the organization.

The situation wasn’t lost on observers, as Cousins’ departure from the Minnesota Vikings was reportedly influenced by the team’s transparency regarding their intentions to potentially draft a quarterback early. Yet, the Falcons’ move to select Penix at No. 8 overall contradicted this narrative.

In a recent appearance on the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast, Cousins addressed the Falcons’ decision, displaying a stoic acceptance of the situation. Despite his initial surprise, Cousins adopted a different outlook, emphasizing the need to focus on what he can control and to let go of what he cannot.

“You’re reminded that there are things you can control and there’s a lot that you don’t control…let’s deal in reality and be a steward, not an owner,” he said. “I just believe that I have to steward what comes my way and control what I can control. A steward doesn’t worry about what they can’t control…I just have to steward this and do what I’ve always done as a player and let the chips fall where they may.”

Drawing parallels between his current predicament and his past experiences, Cousins recounted a story from his high school days, where he learned the harsh reality of competition in football and his willingness to embrace challenges.

Cousins maintained a diplomatic stance, refusing to harbor ill feelings towards his new team. Instead, he emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration in pursuing a common goal: winning a Super Bowl.

As the Falcons embark on a new era with Cousins under center and Penix waiting in the wings, the pressure will be on both quarterbacks to deliver results on the field. Only time will tell if Atlanta’s bold moves will pay off or will be remembered as costly gambles in the NFL history books.