Kirk Cousins felt 'misled' after Falcons drafted Michael Penix Jr. - ESPN

Kirk Cousins might have re-signed with the Minnesota Vikings last offseason had he known the Atlanta Falcons would draft a quarterback in the first round.

For the first time publicly, the veteran opened up on his feelings about the Falcons taking Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick in the 2024 draft in an episode of the Netflix series «Quarterback,» which premiered Tuesday.

Cousins said he felt «a little bit misled» when the Falcons took Penix that high. The Falcons had signed Cousins to a contract worth at least $100 million guaranteed just a few weeks earlier, tabbing him as their quarterback for 2024 and beyond. Then, Atlanta stunned the NFL — and Cousins — by taking Penix in the top 10, because the franchise believed in him as a future franchise QB.

Cousins was aware the Falcons might draft a quarterback, but definitely not that high. He wasn't informed about the Penix pick until a phone call by offensive coordinator Zac Robinson while Atlanta was on the clock.

«Certainly, if I had the information around free agency, it certainly would've affected my decision,» Cousins said on the first episode of the season. «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.»

The Vikings, who did extend an offer to Cousins last offseason, drafted quarterback J.J. McCarthy with the 10th pick in the 2024 draft.

Cousins led the Falcons to a 6-3 start last season. In Week 10, Cousins took a hit from New Orleans Saints defensive end Payton Turner that slammed against Cousins' right arm. Cousins said on