NFL draft shocker a surprise to newly-signed $180M former Michigan State QB

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• Updated: Apr. 26, 2024, 10:39 p.m.|
• Published: Apr. 26, 2024, 3:37 a.m.

Washington's Michael Penix Jr. (9) shushes the crowd after scoring a touchdown against Michigan State at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Sat., Sept. 16, 2023. (Cory Morse | MLive.com) Cory Morse | MLive.com

Following months of speculation, the 2024 NFL draft finally began Thursday night in Detroit.

It didn't take long for the biggest shock of the first round to reach a record-setting crowd.

The Falcons used the No. 8 overall pick to select Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Atlanta's bold move also reportedly came as a surprise to the recently-inked veteran at the position.

Kirk Cousins, a 35-year-old former Michigan State standout and 12-year NFL veteran, signed a four-year deal worth $180 million with $100 million guaranteed in March. A month later, the veteran saw his new team draft his apparent future replacement.

ESPN's Pete Thamel spoke with Cousins' agent, Mike McCartney, who said the veteran quarterback didn't hear about Atlanta's intention to pick Penix until they were already on the clock Thursday night. The report noted "frustration and confusion" from those affiliated with Cousins.

"Kirk Cousins is our quarterback," Atlanta general manager Terry Fontenot said, according to The Associated Press. "Michael Penix, we're talking about the future. We're very excited about that quarterback room."

Cousins is a Holland native who rose from overlooked recruit to a three-time team captain at Michigan State. He was picked by Washington in the fourth round of the 2012 draft and spent three seasons with the team, including playing the final two on a franchise tag before signing a three-year, $84 million contract with Minnesota in 2018. Cousins reached a pair of extensions with the Vikings but his final game playing for them was a Week 8 loss to Green Bay in which he suffered the torn Achilles. That cut short a resurgent season after he threw a career-high 14 interceptions in 2022.

A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Cousins has thrown for 39,471 yards, 270 touchdowns and 110 interceptions. He's now the veteran who just watched a 23-year-old drafted as his expected future replacement.

"I'm blessed with the opportunity," Penix said. "I'm going to take advantage and make the most out of it. For me coming in behind Kirk Cousins, he's a guy who has been in the league and ... played a lot of football. I'm going to come in and I'm gong to learn, I'm going to learn from him and try to soak in all the knowledge I can."

Penix has dealt with plenty of adversity as the Florida native arrived at Indiana in 2018 and suffered season-ending injuries each of his four years with the Hoosiers. Following a transfer to Washington to reconnect with Kalen DeBoer, Penix thrived in 2022 while throwing for 4,641 yards and 31 touchdowns.

Despite putting up huge numbers and finally remaining healthy enough to finish a season, Penix surprised many by returning to Seattle. He followed with an even more impressive season, throwing for 4,903 yards and 36 scores with 11 interceptions while leading the Huskies to a loss against Michigan in the national championship game. Penix finished second in voting for the Heisman Trophy.

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