Atlanta Falcons 'self-sabotage' relationship with Kirk Cousins | Pro Football Talk | NFL on NBC

PFT examines how Kirk Cousins’ injury history and massive contract could factor into his future with the Falcons after their decision to draft Michael Penix Jr at No. 8 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. #NBCSports #NFL #atlantafalcons
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Atlanta Falcons 'self-sabotage' relationship with Kirk Cousins | Pro Football Talk | NFL on NBC
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[@JWL427]

Draft pick wasn't a problem, paying Kirk was.

[@rpiazza72]

The problem is how this organization makes decisions. I like the Penix pick. But the Penix evaluation had to be pretty solid by the time free agency rolled around. Why would you give Cousins that much money to be a placeholder? It's like they deployed half of two different strategies. Two half measure don't make one full measure.

[@baileygreene2280]

Neither one on their own is really a problem. It's the fact that they did them both that doesn't make sense.

[@Y2K2PointO]

They’re hedging their risk for each. They didn’t know Penix would be there in March.

[@baileygreene2280]

@@Y2K2PointO in March he was a projected late 1st or second round pick

[@user-rk7ml9lk6g]

Nobody questions green Bay anymore? They try but what, 3 quater backs in 4 decades. If it works he's a genius, if not he's gonna have to coach his tail off. He's ready for both.

[@MumRah]

Everyone acting like Penix is going to be Vick. He couldn't run like Vick BEFORE his knee surgeries 😂

[@christopherwilliams2351]

You don't have to be able to run like Vick, Lamar or even Josh Allen, but being mobile in the pocket with even the threat of running is a nightmare for defenses. See guys like Herbert, Purdy, and of course Mahomeboy

[@kennethmorsee]

they don't mean that comparison literally. They mean he can be to the city of Atlanta what Mike Vick meant to the city.

[@MumRah]

@@kennethmorsee I don't think he's into dog fighting

[@johnchedsey1306]

This is literally the first time I've ever heard Penix and Vick mentioned in the same sentence (but I don't get out of the house much)

[@geraldos9094]

Nobody thinks Penix is like Vick. Mike didn’t develop as a passer until later in his career. Penix is known for his arm & accuracy.

[@camador2007]

If you draft someone in the top 15 they’re expected to play relatively soon. And the whole point of drafting a qb is to build around them while they are on their rookie contract.

[@pauliej345]

What team won a super bowl with a qb on a rookie deal last 23 years. The Seahawks, Pats and Chiefs but the pat's and Chiefs were brady and mahome. They a Lil different then everybody. The rookie QBs usually suck for first 2-3yrs

[@Turd_Furgeson]

Except if you're a former Bears GM who hasn't had a pick pan out

[@canttouchthis6439]

Hiring Cousins then picking Pennix was a combo that makes the Gm and coach look like they don't know what they doing . If they hadn't hired cousins for 180 mil there wouldn't be no issue.

[@MrOtterdude]

With us, Kirk didn't care about putting great players around him. His only concern was money.

[@unknown_gaming4209]

Lacks evidence

[@user-hf3pi8ew1g]

@@unknown_gaming4209 the evidence is that despite a ready-made offensive roster in MN, he left for Atlanta because they would pay him more

[@alr6435]

​@@user-hf3pi8ew1gfacts if Kirk wanted a good team he should have stayed in Minnesota no reason to complain he got the 💰

[@Haaaveeyy]

@@user-hf3pi8ew1gcasual! The weapons in Atlanta are revert damn ready made as well. Bijan could be in the convo for best back in the league. Kyle Pitts already has a 1000 years season under his belt with a competent QB. Drake London just needs consistency at Qb, but has shown flashes of being an absolute problem for cbs. The o-line is respectable. All those guys are 24 or younger. And I didn’t mention Tyler Allgeier, Darnell Mooney or Rondale Moore.

[@Paula-mv8im]

​@@user-hf3pi8ew1g That is completely false. It wasn’t about the money. Kirk has said several times that structure is more important than the money. Kirk didn't stay with the Vikings because they basically offered him a one year contract (which is management speak for we like you but don't love you). He wanted a long term contract which is what he got from the Falcons...it's as simple as that. And guess what Vikings did….got a first round quarterback who is gonna take over in a year.

[@dasdguy7606]

Front office should have been honest with KC from the start. He was a quick fix but not long term. Clumsily handled by the GM.

[@bunjidogg]

I subscribe to the theory that GM and coach conspired to pick Penix order to lengthen their careers in Atlanta. Now, if they don't win with Cousins, they can say "you have to give us a chance with our QB Penix for a couple years."

[@md.mohaiminulislam9618]

kirk is 36, he's lucky if he's as good in 2 years

[@lorent4998]

Then it was stupid to give so much guaranteed money. Dumb franchise either way!

[@toruyamamoto6598]

The point is that with that contract, they didn't NEED to take him 8th. They could have traded down, collect more assets and still get Penix at a lower draft pick and still have the next man up if they really believed in him

[@sythlordzeek]

@@lorent4998well one less team that’s a threat to deal with that crippled themselves I see them going 6-X maby 7 wins meanwhile the Texans, chiefs and 49rs are getting stronger , good luck catching up to those guys

[@codyb.3015]

@@toruyamamoto6598 No, they couldn't have. Do you genuinely think the Raiders intended all along to take Bowers? They were going Penix at 13. Who could they have traded with that still allowed them to take Penix from 9-12? Bears didn't need to move up, Jets didn't need to move up, Vikings only needed to move up 1 spot for JJ, and Broncos wanted Nix at 12 and knew they didn't need to move. The Colts at 15 would have traded with them I bet, to get Odunze, but that would have put the Falcons behind all the QB needy teams. There was no trade-back possible to get Penix

[@LovelyRobotFigurine-lr5pu]

Should hv traded back or go with a qb in the 2nd or 3rd if you don't like him get one in free agency or another draft period to reach this bad on a mediocre player is absurd

[@unknown_gaming4209]

"How did this guy become the GM for the falcons" that's what had gone through my head when i heard they got a qb in the first round.. mind boggling.

[@allensaunders449]

Somebody has to be the GM the falcons don't know what they are doing

[@jpete3027666]

And why did they fire Arthur Smith and keep Fontenot when Fontenot has been there for 3 years and failed at his job at every step. They should have both been fired.

[@mrbilly9917]

They invited a circus into the locker room 🤡🤡🤡

[@itshadouken]

A media circus, the players will be fine

[@RageDaug]

@@itshadouken Maybe. It could potentially weigh on Kirk and the coach over time. Everytime Kirk has a poor game, it's going to come up in the presser if the coach thought about putting the rookie in. Reminded me of the Green Bay situation, which poisoned Rogers relationship with the Packers. Will be interesting to see what happens.

[@aaronh305]

@@itshadouken Thats a bold assertion. As a Commander fans, we have PHD's in circus locker rooms. This has all the ingredients.

[@jedichurn]

Belichick-“Thanks, Mr Kraft!”

[@11cmgrah]

To be fair, if Bill were there this would never have happened.

[@Richard-gw2lr]

100% I guarantee Bill was the one who said no thanks. They want control of the draft and the free agents and said all your job is to coach. Bill went f that. I see what happens when these GMs do what they want.

[@thegreatrenaldo7718]

@@11cmgrah Yeah he would have taken a Guard from Boise State

[@MumRah]

Somebody get the guy in charge of the music in the stadium to play sabotage when they announce the team😂

[@BuyingDaDip209]

At Falcons Press conference the Falcons GM said Penix can sit for 4 to 6 years lmao.... So they plan to start Penix at age 30??? Lmao

[@AmericanShia786]

I still can't believe Penix was there 8th overall pick for Atlanta. I have heard a few try to explain how it is a good idea, but I still don't understand how drafting Penix is a good idea when Cousins was given all that money. If I were the owner, I would not be happy. Having said that, I like Penix. He didn't cause the problem!

[@redserpent]

One doesn't have to believe it, you already know it, common sense. The Falcons are short f talents in so many holes. They could have used it to get Odunze. The field combination of Cousins and Odunze(9th pick) is a serious weapon, the field combination of Cousins and Penix are not even a combo.

[@Griffin854]

Why not make a move for Russell Wilson if all you wanted is a decent placeholder while bringing up a rookie QB? Imagine all the defensive talent the Falcons could buy. Or better yet, give Justin Field a year to prove himself? I hope I'm wrong, but the Falcons decision making is trash.

[@toastytopics2614]

Oh my lord I feel so bad for Kirk. He must feel disrespected. Lets not act like Kirk didnt get 120 million or so garranteed whether he plays or not! He already won!

[@johnchedsey1306]

Cousins has won the business side of the NFL like no other QB. It's insane how much he's made despite just being an above average player. I respect that. That's why his personal feelings about the situation aren't something I'm going to care about.

[@DannyBZ9]

@@johnchedsey1306QB is highest paid/most important position. Top 12-15 QB in the NFL going to be big money if you play long. 👏🏽

[@runningbeard7380]

The classic "he's gettin' paid so nuthin' else matters" argument.

[@runningbeard7380]

@@johnchedsey1306 But you do see how stupid the "he's gettin' paid so shut up" argument is right? He's ALREADY paid... he's going to leave the game with atleast a quarter billion. He's 36, he wants to WIN. He left the Vikings for an opportunity to do that. I'm thrilled as a Bucs fan for Atlanta's chaos, but money is clearly not the only thing that matters, particularly when a players retirement is in sight.

[@GB81369]

I want 100 million guaranteed disrespect 😂.

[@allensaunders449]

I don't know why they signed cousin's to that ridiculous contract falcons were competing against themselves cousins hasn't helped any team now he is older and coming off an injury.

[@misinfluence]

2 years guaranteed isn’t ridiculous

[@alexflowers5590]

That part, what dumb team pays $100 mil for "Bridge" QB oooohhh the Falcons do 🤷🏾‍♂️🤦🏾

[@frankgraham1996]

Cousins has the Dubious Distinction of losing a play off game to Daniel Jones and the Giants.

[@wrealini]

Then why did they sign him?! This makes now sense. I believe Penix can be good, possibly great. Yet they sign a 36 year old to 100 Mil guaranteed?! The GM needs to be held accountable for this.

[@bobbygable3891]

Same with watson . Insane

[@user-og4ke8om5m]

Good point my friend. " if he would have know he NEVER WOULD HAVE LET MINNESOTA "

[@w00deey12]

he didn't leave Minnesota.

[@user-og4ke8om5m]

Well he didn't stay! So what do you call that

[@Paula-mv8im]

Kirk still wouldn't have stayed. The Vikings basically offered him a one year contract (which is management speak for we like you but don't love you). He wanted a long term contract which is what he got from the Falcons...it's as simple as that. And guess what Vikings did….got a first round quarterback who is gonna take over in a year.

[@jabarricharles-barnes658]

“I feel bad for Cousins” oh brother- we’ve seen hall of famers with their replacement on the roster, this is fucking Kirk Cousins

[@mikec3756]

Kirk Cousins is a professional. He dealt with all of that endless crap in Washington with RGIII and the tag stuff. He'll be fine. It'll make him better.

[@aaronh305]

LMAO from a Washington Fan. Kirk is a professional about getting his money. Helping groom Penix, restructure to get more talent... Don't look for him to help you if he doesn't like how he is being treated by the franchise.

[@arman4063]

This has Any Given Sunday written all over it.

[@lstan444]

MikeF, nobody is feeling sorry for Cousins. That sounds like business in the NFL Mike! thx

[@nunyabizness6662]

Agreed. Just like no one feeling sorry for the Falcons when this blows up in their face.

[@runningbeard7380]

I guess business in the NFL means eating a lot of dead cap and contracts of players long since gone for no apparent reason.

[@Paula-mv8im]

Doubt that. How about all of the players that got screwed over by their teams like Kirk did???

[@josephbalinski]

Kirk Cousins has scarred every Vikes fan so badly by leaving. If they really didn't care they'd forget about it but here Florio and many other Viking fans are still out trying to rip Kirk endlessly while holding back their tears

[@ddnc1983]

Yeah he doesn’t make any relevant points at all. None.

[@nancyharaldson5631]

I am a viking fan glad he is gone

[@jakeb7867]

I'm so happy that he's gone. Many fans like me were sick of him holding the franchise hostage.

[@Matthewpjacobs1]

As a Vikings fan, i can say good riddance! He was picked up as a mercenary to win a SB with Mike Zimmers amazing Defensive. Cousins couldn’t even get that team to the playoffs that year. Have fun with the good stats but no playoff wins.

[@Paula-mv8im]

@@Matthewpjacobs1 Hmm...Zimmer's amazing defense that went from elite and took a nose dive and dropped to 13th to 18th to 27th to 30th?? Let's not forget about in Zimmer’s coaching. His job as head coach was to get the most out of his quarterback. Instead, he undercut his play in coaching meetings and didn’t build around him. He fired his OC every year, he had terrible clock management, had conservative and predictable play calling (run, run, run, pass), was 32nd out of 32 teams in situational football, and had an outdated and prevent style defense that gave up more points in the final 2 minutes of each half than any team in history. Instead of building around his quarterback and surround him with talent to consistently win (like every other successful team does), Zimmer did the opposite. He thought the best way to win was by building hard-hitting and punishing defenses that can shut opponents down. That failed miserably. Yep, that is a SURE FIRE recipe for success...smh

[@ralami6183]

What are they learning the hard way Mike and Pete? The push back from the media? 😂

[@tbtpu5328]

The fact that everybody acting like Kirk is going play for 7 more years is crazy. Let’s hope he can even be him self this season he is coming off and achilles. Dude has no playoffs wins be happy with the money if he wins then he has nothing to worry about

[@jaedynstjuste1708]

But that’s what makes the Falcons look even more IDIOTIC. Why would you invest so much into Kirk? 3 yrs/$90 Mil would’ve been more understandable with $60-65 guaranteed. Meaning after 1 year they could cut him & eat the $30 mil but 4yrs/$180 mil with $100 mil guaranteed make it impossible/stupid to cut him next year because his cap hit is $50 mil this year & next

[@koniwil2374]

1-5-2020. I think it was against the saints.

[@ronaldbenford3525]

Kirk has to win. Simple or his rich ass will be on the block.

[@Kinogotiate]

It doesn't matter what I think of cousins Atlanta gave him guaranteed money because they believed in him. Now without seeing him play a down they gave up on him.

[@jacobsims8307]

​@@Kinogotiatethey must believe to burn a first on a down the road replacement.

[@rayc2137]

As a Vikings fan that went on a sabbatical until 8 was gone, ATL was the best thing about this draft knowing Kurt peed his pants a little bit with the pick.

[@chrismichael1547]

BY FAR the best QB your team has had in A LONG TIME hahah.

[@rayc2137]

@@chrismichael1547 I hope so, I just have not seen it since his coach in colleg only ran the ball. Now his coach is allergic to running the ball. We shall see.

[@2023lm]

2 QBs fighting for the spot......love it

[@MajorBorris]

You must be a buccaneers fan lol

[@runningbeard7380]

As a Bucs fan I approve

[@TruStatementNetwork]

Florio definitely got a diss track out against my Falcons 😂😂😂

[@scott4858]

It’s just business. It also makes sense from a long term perspective. Penix can sit and learn behind a very solid qb. I don’t think Kirk takes it personally tbh

[@123shoshan]

That makes zero sense so sign Flacco or foles for 8 million

[@lorent4998]

Then you don’t understand Cousins.

[@scott4858]

@@123shoshan the difference is the upside with penix. Sure you can Flacco or foles but you know what you have in those qbs, solid options but not franchise guys. It’s very similar what Green Bay did with Rodgers and love

[@jmcg9329]

He did as you can see what he told through his agent. He still hasn’t officially commented about it himself. The Falcons basically told Kirk that they aren’t concerned about winning now. Then obligation does Kirk have to them? They already paid him? What more does he need to do for them? He has never played a down for them and has no foundation there. Why would be help Penix, the guy who is looking to take his job as quickly as he can?

[@herrguru4264]

*BREAKING NEWS:* 1. Cousin Kirk, a Quarterback who pretends to work on Mondays, and doesnt work on Tuesdays and his silly fans, are upset that Michael Penix Jr. (the most talented college Quarterback since Trevor Lawrence, Caleb Williams & Deshaun Watson), a Quarterback who works from Sunday till Sunday got drafted. 😅🤣😂 2. Jeebus Forking Cripes... the Michael Penix Jr. whinging is getting on my nerves. The mistake wasnt drafting Michael Penix. The mistake was signing Kirk Cousins for $100M. Dude has earned more than Tom Brady, but only has 1 playoff win. 3. People are pretending as if Falcons drafting Laiatu Latu or Dallas Turner would have been the piece for Kirk Cousins to take the Falcons to the Superbowl. Kirk Cousins could have JJ Watt and Nick Bosa and he still wouldnt go to the Superbowl. 4. 14 starting QBs got injured in 2023. Therefore you might as well take a very good QB in the 1st round and a good Defensive End in the 2nd round and thats exactly what Atlanta did.

[@Goldenboy-nx7nw]

Oh Mike😅😅😂😂...let it goes

[@sharonreel8678]

Florio goes from hating Cousins to feeling bad for him. Maybe the Falcons are just taking a play from Green Bay's playbook where they have taken QB's and had them sit the bench under their franchise QB until their time came (Farve-Rodgers-Love). Cousins is getting old and coming off an injury, he ain't gonna be around forever.

[@jmcg9329]

Difference is that Favre and Rodgers had already been there for years while Cousins hasn’t played a down in Atlanta. He doesn’t have the foundation and most certainly isn’t going to be supported by the players.

[@Kainteeka]

The packers didn't waste the 8th pick for starters. Rodgers didn't just sign as the top free agent QB for a huge contract either. Nowhere similar. The falcons are showing how poorly run they are. This kind of pick is from someone who either shouldn't be making them or someone who is begging to be fired.

[@rpiazza72]

I like what Green Bay did but Big difference is those Green Bay’s pick were 24 and 26. Doing it at pick 8 really increases the pressure and scrutiny.

[@creightonc8147]

It’s nothing like what GB does. Favre was established for over a decade and was nearing retirement, Rodgers was a late first round pick who spent years behind him being groomed, he was also 3 years younger than Penix. Love, same deal. Cousins hasn’t even thrown a pass yet. Penix is arguably the most NFL ready of the QB’s, having him sit for 2-3 years is idiotic. I don’t think it’s dumb the drafted Penix, I think it’s dumb they signed Cousins.

[@sharonreel8678]

@@creightonc8147 agree. The signing of Cousins seems to be the bigger head scratcher.

[@Mobties3]

This man keep Atlanta falcons name in his mouth every show got damnnnnnnnn

[@earlwilliamsjr3864]

I care less about Kirk Cousins situation, I'm more concerned about the defense and can it be top 10. With the skill players Atlanta has, a decent qb can win the NFC SOUTH. However, this will be a topic all off season. I hope that these two qbs can come to some type of understanding.

[@matthewwithoos8613]

The fact they think this highly of cousins is crazy. He doesnt hsve the nsme to not bring in competition

[@foxfire1112]

You're completely missing the point. Why sign him to a massive contract to what, replace him and eat all the money in a year?

[@abdultaylor6571]

No one should be giving Atlanta grief. This was a smart move. Cousins is a slightly above average QB, who just got 100 million guaranteed. If his feelings are hurt bc the team did the smart thing by looking to the future, he can go kick rocks. He's not elite. So he can deal with competition like everyone else on the roster.

[@matthewwebber45]

What people aren't understanding is the fact that Kirk, is for sure the starter for at least 2 years barring injury. By the time Penix plays he is late 20s and his rookie contract ends at almost 30 years old.

[@123shoshan]

Then why pay cousins all that money

[@lorent4998]

Then they were stupid to give that much guaranteed,

[@Ekleaz]

​@@123shoshanIt depends if Cousins pulls a Alex Smith and tutors Penix it's worth the money

[@jacobsims8307]

That's a win now contract tho, you don't pay almost 200 million for a mentor.

[@petera6984]

Fun Fact... Raheem Morris drafted Josh Freeman round #1 in his first year as Buc H.C. We ran him out of town year #3, and where is Josh today? History repeats itself. 😅

[@The_Zilli]

lot of stupid comments below - Penix was never scheduled to be drafted in the top 10, we had mock drafts putting him in the 20s with Miami of all teams. And even if the Falcons really loved Penix, they already had the 8th pick and could have worked towards getting Penix and utilizing the 100m that they spent on Cousins to surround their new rookie QB with more tools and develop organizational depth. Instead, not only did the Falcons invest 100m on a QB,but they drafted a 24 year old QB that will be 28 years old at the end of Cousins contract. So you just told your starting QB that hasnt played a game for you that he's out the door as the starter and going to be a backup in the next year or two. How would you feel if you applied for a job and was told that you would running things only to get told before you've even started that they're hiring someone else to do exactly what you're doing and good chance you'll be reporting to that person instead. This was a mess by the Falcons and no amount of spin from the uneducated to fanatical fans will change that reality.

[@Zetler]

These guys really know how to work a story. Take took an obvious take then made it entertaining to watch.

[@stevenl9151]

I agree with everything you're saying except that cousins is a savior of QB purgatory. He's the master of that realm.

[@michaelmoss5976]

This whole thing gives me a Matt Flynn/Russell Wilson vibe. Seahawks signed GB's backup QB in the offseason to a (at that time) pretty big contract. The prevailing thought was there's no way Seattle doesn't give him the starting job...they didn't bring him to Seattle to hold a clipboard. But then, unexpectantly, Wilson was still available in the 3rd round and Seattle's GM, John Schneider couldn't pass him up. RW3 wins the starting job as a rookie and Seattle does indeed pay Matt Flynn to hold a clipboard for a year before sending his butt to OAK the following offseason.

[@YourMachines]

Way more guaranteed money to Cousins, % wise. Only 10mil guaranteed to Flynn. Cap hasn't gone up 10x in 12 yrs. And the 80th overall pick is way different than the 8th.

[@deanladue5367]

Very good point, and i believe that this could very well happen with the 2024 Falcons. I really think it's a 50/50 split that Cousins will even be in Atlanta next year.

[@Paula-mv8im]

Keep dreaming...the Seahawks had a QB competition which Wilson won. And even if the Falcons had a QB competition, Penix sure wouldn't win it. Read Penix draft profiles sometime...."Penix’s arm strength is arguably his best quality, but one of the biggest concerns with Penix is accuracy. He missed far too many easy passes, some of which stemmed from his throwing motion and mechanics. . His accuracy was a problem throughout his college career. That not being fixed at this point makes it tough to think it will get better at the next level. And while he has shown an ability to avoid sacks, his struggles to make positive plays under pressure will only be more difficult when making the jump to the next level." Meanwhile....as proven by advanced stats, Kirk is one of the most accurate quarterbacks and is one of the best deep ball passers in the league. His passes on slants, posts and corner routes were among the best in the NFL. His near 91% accuracy on corners is obscene. Patrick Mahomes only hit 70% accuracy on corners. What's far more likely to happen, Kirk plays lights out and Penix is traded for drafts picks or he's a bust because he can't stay healthy.

[@henrim9348]

Every show is trying to squeeze clicks/views from this topic.

[@Doadab13]

They could have gotten a game changer at 8. They got a four year backup.

[@user-rp4vo7yy5l]

Self sabotage? Because the falcons saw an opportunity to get a potential great QB. cousins at best was plug in at qb until a team could draft the qb of the future. What’s wrong with cousins? Be quiet take the money as you ride off into retirement or as a good backup the later four years of your career. Great job falcons. Those fans want competitive qb play in transition to their future qb. falcons accomplished that. At least on paper. That what the gm, tp, and front office get paid to do. A no lose situation.

[@hgm38]

$100

[@deanladue5367]

Cousins is gone after the '24 season, and everyone on the Falcons knows it. He officially became a 100 million dollar lame duck quarterback.

[@pithello]

Oh noes ... they ruined their relationship with kirk cousins ... the guy they guaranteed 100m to... Hopefully they have another QB who isn't gonna cry.

[@OutsidetheEchochamber]

They guaranteed him $100 million that’s why

[@jaymoret7418]

I've heard suggestions they drafted Penix because next year's QB draft class is abysmal, unless someone has a Joe Burrow season. So, in essence, they drafted him for 2 years down the road.

[@deanladue5367]

Maybe even one year if Cousins flames out and the Falcons don't make the playoffs.

[@Roshand-pl9tn]

I dont think the falcons think at all. They seem to waddle through life unconcerned about anything except keeping their jobs.

[@wilmacpossilboyz]

Good video

[@7scientist]

Florio: “ here’s my bank account info”-classic

[@mat.356]

😂😂😂

[@quiddity131]

While I agree that the Falcons messed this up, most Cousins - Penix controversy will be created by media hot take artists like Florio rather than occurring organically.

[@icetroll734]

Florio is no artist

[@angelogiaquinto1918]

You sure about that?

[@MajorBorris]

The NFL is a copycat League, there's a reason no other teams do this...

[@shake6321]

agreed. they act as if these athletes are hot headed animals. kirk and mike are gonna work regardless of the circumstances cuz they are winners.

[@drbenway4]

Kirk does not like competition. Ask Colt McCoy...

[@TheCEOXPerience]

similar to the Favre- Rodgers and Montana- Young timelines. Young was 26 when he became the 49ers full time starter

[@createluxuryliving8136]

I have a theory'; what if the Falcons end up trading Kirk mid-season to the Raiders if Penix makes it impossible for the team to actually keep him on the bench. I highly doubt it but I see Kirk getting traded next year and the Falcons having a Chiefs like resurgent as the team needs to get back to winning first and then they can start planning to take the next steps in their trajectory. Emotions do not win in a logical war.

[@chrisscruggs2680]

I agree with this the only problem is that the cap casualties will be similar to when Matt Ryan left. Cap salary hell. Chiefs built the chiefs with mahomes on a rookie deal then him taking a team friendly long term deal so they could plan their cap space and give him more later.

[@jo0123]

Agree they didn’t fully think this through.

[@Essman614]

Every source seems to say Kirk's contract only has guaranteed money in the first 2 years. Which makes it a 2 year deal with 2 team options.

[@tbtpu5328]

Yall definitely over exaggerate things on this show. 😂

[@sharonreel8678]

Florio is a drama queen. I have to do Florio detoxes every once in a while. Last week was the last one 😵‍💫

[@quiddity131]

As a Vikings fan Florio is likely really mad that the Falcons signed Cousins away from them

[@dasimparmy2289]

I would say yes but everybody's talking about this as being quite bone-headed.

[@shrekdaddy6912]

Not this time. Falcons made a terrible mistake once more.

[@vb72517]

I think florio is mad that the falcons took cousins. He's a Vikings fan. He leaked a lot of the info about cousins and then really pushed the tampering. Now he's trying to make the falcons look inept in their decisions. Whether you agree with the falcons decision to take penix, you can easily see florio just looks like a scorned ex

[@scottcarpenter1778]

“If you’re not all-in, I’m not all-in.” Are you serious?!? Kirk Cousins has never been “all-in” a day in his life! As a forever Vikings fan, this is the biggest blessing for us… and the most entertaining! Mr. “I just let [coaches] handle the timeouts.” Thanks Atlanta- we just got rid of this loser and get some draft compensation next year to boot 🎉

[@thospeterson]

This was a brilliant move by Atlanta... Cousins is a good QB but he's not an elite Super bowl QB... and he's older coming off an injury. They overpaid for a QB who will never get them to the Super Bowl. Yes, he's a huge improvement over where they were, but getting to the playoffs isn't going to keep Raheem employed long term. What if Penix wows in practice as the year progresses a-la Tony Romo? Wouldn't there be a trade market for Cousins -- especially if the Falcons take on, say, half his salary (for the guaranteed portion)? If Penix shows he can play in practice, Atlanta will be set up for the next 7-10 years. If Cousins goes to the dark side because of this, he'll just allow the Atlanta coaching staff to spend more time grooming Penix. That he'll make big money is already a done deal. Question is does he want to self sabotage his career. I doubt it. Cousins will try his best to ball out.

[@jaredholloway6333]

The Falcons drafted 6 other guys last weekend. You telling me none of them can help make the team better? 🤔

[@brob8204]

Not trying to be a jerk b/c I agree with you, but they had 7 other picks (8 total) and they did pick up an Edge rusher (Defensive end if you're old like me) early in the 2nd and met many other needs throughout. Plus, all 1st round picks don't start. Heck, all 1st round picks don't make the team!

[@jaredholloway6333]

@@brob8204 Ok I appreciate that. Thanks for the clarification…..and you’re absolutely right. I actually think Penix’s teammate Bralen Trice was the best pick outside of him. But we got plenty defensive help in the draft; it’s up to them boys to step up and develop into stars.

[@JR-ws4te]

Taking a 24 year old QB as the 5th QB in the draft at pick 8, right after you paid a now blindsided 36 year old Cousins is absolute insanity.

[@PHN-2024]

It’s Ironic that Penix would benefit from another Player’s Injury when Multiple Injuries have disrupted and almost Ended His Football Career. People all of sudden have forgotten that Penix has been Injury prone and He hasn’t been Hit by Grown NFL Men Yet.

[@mikehartl8665]

No need for a QB to worry about getting hurt in today's NFL with the current "flag football" rules!

[@rasserfrasser]

The Falcons just built an internal doubt machine when they could've just drafted a top tier offensive lineman. If the ankle bothered you, you shouldn't have made him your captain. EDIT: This is so Kirk Cousins though, like he said in that movie "If I could walk on water, they'd say I couldn't swim."

[@carymarshallfelton9188]

Kirk shafts teams all the time. F his feeling.

[@jeffreyseverson135]

Even if the vikings had resigned him they were grabbing a qb in this draft.

[@mitchelllee879]

And why we feeling sorry for Kirk Cousins?

[@jordansheffield6101]

None of these defensive players were blue chip and Kirk is 36. Grow up and tell Kirk to cry in that money bag 💰.

[@OutsidetheEchochamber]

That pick could have easily turned into two later 1sts.

[@Renix360]

They apparently did not like any of the offers they could have gotten for the pick.

[@sinciti9354]

the falcons are paying almost $70m/year for QB's..... fucking wild

[@anaashb9838]

Reminds me of Dennis Quaid and Jamie Foxx in "Any Given Sunday."

[@colderbeer]

Nothing wrong with drafting a QB, but it's common courtesy to tell the established QB that you might draft a QB.

[@cy4330]

I am pretty sure the Falcons didn't expect Penix to fall that far in draft to them. When he did they couldn't pass up the opportunity. They could always find help from free agent signings with lots of cap space left. They also can't guarantee Cousins would be healthy all season.

[@joshuabunkers1494]

Kirk wanted structure in his contract to prevent him from getting Aaron Rodgered. He knew the Atlanta contract did not have that structure and Atlanta drafting a QB was always possible. That is why he went back Sunday and ask Minnesota to come up a little bit.

[@brentonatkins]

Nobody should feel sorry for Kirk. He went where he wanted bc he was playing the business side of the sport. He just finally had the business side shown to him.

[@brucifurrose9956]

I have lived in Georgia my entire life (68 years). The Falcons have brought me nothing but misery. Just because an owner can become a billionaire selling cheap crap from China and not paying his employees a living wage doesn't mean he can over see a professional football team . Thankfully I still have my Sundays to do something enjoyable.

[@ruggedmeetsrefined5345]

This is just further proof of what I’ve been saying for a while now, KC is under appreciated for his level of play on the field. Off the field, he’s a smug, smarmy, self centered jerk despite what he wants he public to believe. That’s who KC is. No NFL GM is that oblivious to draft a QB with #8 overall pick, and not know exactly the message it sends to KC. That was the point, that’s how much KC has gone out of his way to show his ***

[@canttouchthis6439]

There is no reason to believe the falcons wasn't looking to have kirk as a starter for 4 years.

[@blackmonk7400]

Who cares he’s a grown damn man accept the competition. Y’all making a big deal out of nothing sports are about competing. Whether it’s on your own team or against another team.

[@burn8175]

Everyone keep talking about Kirk getting paid 100 mil for 2 seasons but not saying nothing about Dak 350 mil for 5

[@jahtheblade4815]

from a vikings fan,kirk cousins isnt bad,he is a great pocket passer,was the qb to have in dfs,he wasnt the sole reason they lost playoff games. your welcome,if his shit heals,i believe atl can go atleast into the playoffs with him,as i said,he can hit passes,i think the guys on the atl roster(they brought in a bunch on wr) with bijan and allgier cousins can rip it up for you and give you exciting games,and if penix already has an injury too i get the pick,once injured,higher risk of reinjury

[@theshogunblaze3656]

knowing that a future draft punishment is coming and the Achilles situation is probably why they drafted Penix

[@joer1678]

Cousins got what he deserved. He told Minnesota he wanted to retire and he would stay for less money. As soon as Atlanta offered him the bag he took off…

[@Lola23339]

This sucks for Penix, in the long run, too. He's a competitor and, ideally for the Falcons, he'll be on the bench for 3-4 years. Plus, he will have played so little that the Falcons won't give him a big second contract.

[@stunnaambf8541]

Also media acts like every top 10 pick is a hit every 1st rounder a hit and instant diffrence maker. Like come on.

[@Nicho_Ldn]

We absolutely did sabotage our relationship with Kirk. It is quite frankly an utter disgrace. But we’ve seen with Blank and Fontenot already that they have no problem screwing over quarterbacks. I am all out of patience with TF at this point; time to produce or piss off.

[@StevenBuchanan]

What did Florio say when it happened to Rodgers? It seemed to work out ok for the Packers. When you are in the business of reporting the news you need to take nothing and make it into something.

[@brandonlewis5971]

Where did they get the idea Kirk was planning to work on Tuesdays so he could then withhold that out of anger at the situation in Atlanta? Kirk didn't work on Tuesdays even when we assume he was pretty happy with the Vikings.

[@rolandconnor575]

Florio on fire and he is right, "see you Wednesday"

[@t.j.richardson8446]

You can't say, "He would've stayed in Minnesota," like it was his choice. If the Vikings wanted kirk back, he'd still be a Viking.

[@LikeSnoop]

You’re not understanding. The difference would’ve been Kirk knowing that Atlanta isn’t in a “win now” mode by using the 8th overall pick on a QB. He then, more than likely, would not have wanted to go to them.

[@myspiritanimalisacostanza]

Not too mention if he had stayed I highly doubt that changes their draft plans and they still get mccarthy...rinse and repeat

[@t.j.richardson8446]

@LikeSnoop What you're not understanding is, the Vikings were ready to move on. I don't think it was his decision to stay. Plus, Kirk wanted a bag & the Vikes were not gonna pay that. Unless you're tryna say he would've taken a pay cut? Even then, I feel Kwesi was ready to move on.🤷‍♂️

[@deanladue5367]

Kind of ironic that Kirk left MN because they were going to draft his replacement. So he goes to Atlanta, and they do the very same thing! 😂😂 For the record, Penix is a stud at QB. The Falcons got a great one.

[@jzw55]

Even if Kirk Cousins stayed in Minnesota they would have drafted JJ McCarthy because of his injury and age. He’s 36 years old. No matter where he went the team would have looked towards the future

[@deanladue5367]

With the selection of Penix, the Falcons have all but signaled that Cousins will not be in Atlanta for the entire duration of his contract. He's there for 2 years max, and maybe even less. Penix, being a top 10 selection is not going to sit for the next 4 years behind Cousins. He will be the starter sooner than later.

[@billbill5326]

I think you guys are being a bit over dramatic. Kirk Cousins is the Falcon’s starting QB this upcoming season. Penix was drafted to learn and be the future starting QB. It’s a football and business decision. Cousins has certainly made these for himself

[@bryancopca8480]

Kirk was in a mvp run as a 35 year old bring his team back and throwing for 6 in a row 300* multiple touchdown games

[@jgiza8888]

If Kirk stayed in Minnesota, the Vikings STILL would have drafted JJ McCarthy.

[@Y2K2PointO]

THIS IS WHY FREE AGENCY SHOULD BE AFTER THE DRAFT

[@victorvale8391]

How hard is it on the line and receivers having a lefty and a righty competing to start

[@skred6792]

Let's be real. Raheem Morris wanted Pennix. This is the guy with roughly a 33% win rate as a head coach. Yet nobody ever says that, it's always how great he is blah blah blah. Why is it that someone with that abysmal of a record never gets any media push back? Clearly not everyone is held to the same standards.

[@shadyrebob5999]

Kirk might have to start working on Tuesdays.......

[@alexsok3752]

Kurt, has been mostly interested in the business of football. The business of football came back and showed him who’s boss.

[@sirkonrad9450]

After paying that contract drafting a QB at 8 was insane... If they had the faintest idea they might take a QB they needed to leave Cousins alone. They deserve everything they get the next couple years, if I were Cousins I would chill hard until they traded or released me.

[@davidb9531]

As a Vikings fan I’d like to say 2 words nothing more - cry more!

[@griffin4576]

I GUESS SOME PEOPLE DON'T UNDERSTAND THE MOST SUCCESSFUL QUARTERBACKS CURRENTLY AND RETIRED WERE THE MOST SUCCESSFUL IN THE LEAGUE. LET THAT SOAK IN FOR A MINUTE 😊😊😊

[@ADUSN]

Mike Florio the Vikings fan still crying about Kirk

[@ToddWilhelm]

I'm a lifelong Viking's fan and was thrilled when the Falcons took him off our hands. Zimmer was right about him.