When Kirk Cousins signed a four-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons, it came with the expectation that he would be a starting quarterback for the duration. So it came as a surprise when the Falcons drafted former Washington star Michael Penix Jr.

Kirk Cousins believed he had all the facts and with no reason to doubt the Atlanta Falcons' vision with him as the centerpiece of a new offense, he signed a four-year, $180 million contract in March 2024.