The Falcons’ Confusing Decision: Drafting a Quarterback After Signing Kirk Cousins for $100 Million
The decision by the Falcons to draft a quarterback in the eighth overall pick is baffling, given their recent commitment of $100 million to Kirk Cousins. Their primary goal should have been to win a championship with Cousins and using a high draft pick on his replacement does not align with that objective. It is likely that the confusion stems from the messages conveyed to Cousins during negotiations, which may have implied a pursuit of a championship together. However, selecting a quarterback contradicts this sentiment and suggests a lack of faith in Cousins’ ability to lead them to the highest level.
The Falcons’ treatment of Cousins bears resemblance to the Chiefs’ handling of Alex Smith. While Smith had several years to prove himself with the Chiefs before they decided to move on, Cousins has not even played a game for Atlanta yet they seem to have already preconceived notions about his capabilities. The Falcons’ decision to draft a quarterback like Penix instead of an immediate impact player implies that they believe in the narrative surrounding Cousins’ career.
This move by the Falcons signals that they buy into the existing narrative surrounding Cousins and are willing to bet on it. By drafting a quarterback who may not make an immediate impact, they risk fulfilling their own prophecy about Cousins’ limitations. Despite still being guaranteed $100 million, Cousins likely hoped for Atlanta to be his final and best opportunity at a Super Bowl. However, with this draft decision, it appears that his aspirations may have been dashed, leaving him feeling like Charlie Brown with the football being pulled away at the last moment.
In conclusion, the Falcons’ decision to draft a quarterback in the eighth overall pick after committing $100 million to Kirk Cousins is perplexing and signals their lack of faith in him leading them to win championships. This move could lead them down a path where their own prophecy becomes true and it will be difficult for them recover from it if it happens.
The comparisons between Smith and Cousins highlight how different their circumstances were despite both being high-profile quarterbacks. While Smith had time to prove himself in Kansas City before being traded elsewhere, Cousins was brought in as an immediate solution for Atlanta’s long-standing issues at quarterback position.
The Falcons’ choice of Penix over an immediate impact player highlights their belief in the narrative surrounding Cousins’ career and could lead them down a path where their own prophecy becomes true.
Overall, this move by the Falcons raises questions about their strategy going forward and whether or not they are committed enough towards winning championships with Kirk Cousins at QB position.
Furthermore, this decision could put pressure on other teams who may be hesitant about trading for Kirk because of this news coming out about him being replaced so quickly after signing such big money contract.
It remains unknown what exactly led up to this decision but one thing is clear: The future looks uncertain for Kirk as he now faces competition from younger talent who can bring more value immediately.
