Cousins opened up about the Falcons' decision to draft Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft during an episode of the Netflix docuseries Quarterback, which also chronicled the team's decision to bench him last season. The veteran said he felt "a little bit misled" by Atlanta after the franchise took Penix early just weeks after signing him to a contract worth at least $100 million guaranteed.

Cousins said he was aware that the Falcons could take a quarterback for their long-term plans, but not that high, and wasn't informed of the decision until getting a phone call from offensive coordinator Zac Robinson while the team was on the clock.

"Certainly, if I had the information around free agency, it certainly would've affected my decision," Cousins said. "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. 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."

Cousins' former team, the Minnesota Vikings, also offered an extension before he decided on the Falcons and took former Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy two picks after Penix. McCarthy was injured during the Vikings' Sunday Night Football loss to the Falcons and veteran Carson Wentz is expected to start in Sunday's (September 21) game against the Cincinnati Bengals, who are without their starting quarterback, Joe Burrow, following his Week 2 injury.

Emery Songer