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Breaking: Kirk Cousins Expresses Regret Leaving Vikings After Falcons Draft Michael Penix Jr.
Atlanta, GA – August 23, 2025
In a candid moment that’s sending shockwaves through the NFL, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins has publicly admitted that he regrets leaving the Minnesota Vikings, particularly after the Falcons’ decision to draft quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
> “Looking back, I wish I had stayed in Minnesota,” Cousins reportedly told sources close to the situation. “I felt at home there — with the team, with the system. Seeing how things have unfolded here, it’s hard not to reflect on what could’ve been.”
A Complicated Offseason for Cousins
Cousins signed a massive 4-year, $180 million deal with Atlanta in March, signaling what many believed would be a fresh start and a leadership role in guiding a playoff-caliber roster. But just weeks later, the Falcons shocked the league by selecting Michael Penix Jr., the standout quarterback from Washington, with the No. 8 overall pick — despite Cousins being just 36 years old and still under a major contract.
The move sparked immediate controversy and uncertainty about the team’s quarterback plans. Cousins’ absence from offseason activities only fueled rumors of dissatisfaction.
