Kirk Cousins quickly went from being in a prime position to lead a fringe contender Atlanta Falcons squad at the backend of his career to NFL quarterback limbo.
The veteran signal-caller is coming off a substandard campaign, where he appeared severely hampered by a torn Achilles suffered in 2023. Cousins' inability to climb the pocket hurt his accuracy and made him succumb to constant opposing pressure.
The Falcons staff eventually elevated lefty gunslinger Michael Penix Jr. atop the depth chart, and Cousins is finally speaking out about his time with the organization.
While talking on Netflix's "Quarterback" mini-series, Cousins revealed he felt betrayed by Atlanta's questionable actions after his signing.
"Certainly, if I had that information about 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."
There's some natural resentment stemming from his benching, but Cousins has a right to have been perplexed by the club's proceedings. The 36-year-old still has three years left on his contract and will be an over $140M cap hit the next few seasons.
If the franchise was so enamored with Penix, why didn't they find a much cheaper bridge quarterback to help teach the former Husky superstar until he was ready to get the keys to the offense?
Barring a buyout or injury, Cousins is stuck holding a clipboard, with no chance to rectify his most recent stretch of poor play.