Kirk Cousins may be saying all the right things publicly, but behind the scenes, he isn't exactly thrilled with how his Atlanta Falcons debut has played out.
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The veteran quarterback, who signed a four-year, $180 million deal with Atlanta last offseason — including a staggering $100 million guaranteed — was blindsided when the team used the No. 8 overall pick in last April's draft to select quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
Cousins kept things cordial in early press conferences, but Netflix's newly released season of Quarterback paints a far more candid picture. In the series, which premiered Tuesday, Cousins admits he felt "a little bit misled" by the Falcons, and says that if he'd known they were planning to draft a quarterback so high, his decision in free agency might have gone differently.
"Certainly, if I had the information around free agency, it certainly would've affected my decision," Cousins said, per ESPN's Marc Raimondi. "I had no reason to leave Minnesota with how much we loved it there if both teams are going to be drafting a quarterback high."
Cousins added, "But I've also learned in 12 years in this league that you're not entitled to anything. It's all about being able to earn your spot and prove yourself."
The Vikings had made it clear they were preparing to move on, eventually selecting J.J. McCarthy with the 10th pick in 2024. Still, Cousins may have stayed in Minnesota on a short-term deal if Atlanta's true plans had been on the table.
Now 36, Cousins finds himself in a strange spot as potentially the NFL's highest-paid backup. The Falcons have reportedly explored trade options but haven't found takers for the remainder of his massive contract. Cousins also holds a no-trade clause and would likely only approve a deal where a starting job awaits.
For now, the four-time Pro Bowler and former Michigan State standout remains committed, if not entirely content, in Atlanta, where the franchise's quarterback future may already be looking past him.
