Fans and media alike were surprised when the Atlanta Falcons selected Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 overall. According to reports, so was recently signed Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Per NFL Network’s Jane Slater, Cousins was shocked and disappointed that Atlanta chose Penix Jr.

The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reports that Cousins was informed of the Penix Jr. pick but Cousins said he did not believe a quarterback would be selected at No. 8 overall.

The Falcons, who signed Kirk Cousins in the offseason, draft Michael Penix Jr.

Before the pick, Ian Rapoport said that the Falcons were considering it. "It's all about succession at the most important position." pic.twitter.com/aSQlTrR9sp

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 26, 2024

Fellow NFL Network insider Daniel Jeremiah added during the network’s broadcast that Cousins’ agent was not informed of the pick either.

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Daniel Jeremiah: "I just reached out to his agent, Mike McCartney, he was not given a heads up. Kirk Cousins was not given really a heads up on this whole thing." pic.twitter.com/ShfKRBR257

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 26, 2024

Kirk Cousins contract: Four years, $180 million

Cousins signed the biggest deal of free agency this year with a four year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed. The contract also includes a no-trade clause and he’ll earn $62.5 million in 2024 alone.

If the Falcons cut him ahead of 2025, he’ll cost at least $40 million against the Falcons’ salary cap in dead money. That hit goes down to at least $12.5 million if he’s cut ahead of 2026 or 2027.

Fans reaction to Michael Penix jr. pick

Fans had varied reactions to the news as well.