Quarterback competition is nothing new to NFL veteran Kirk Cousins-ZoomTech News

NFL quarterback Kirk Cousins inked a four-year, $180 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons in March.

The next month, the staff drafted Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 choose within the 2024 NFL Draft.

Whereas nearly everybody, together with Cousins, was perplexed by the Falcons’ choice on the time, this is not going to be the primary time Cousins has needed to cope with quarterback competitors within the locker room.

On the latest episode of the “All Information No Brakes with Keyshawn Johnson” podcast, NFL Insider Dianna Russini gave some perception into how the 35-year-old is getting ready for the upcoming season, in addition to his emotions on having the rookie round.

“Kirk Cousins in 2024 is a unique man than he was … in 2021 [or] 2012 … by way of what he is been via,” Russini mentioned. 

“I feel he’ll be the skilled that he’s, however there is no doubt, he is received slightly little bit of edge to him proper now, figuring out that this case didn’t play out how he needed it to.”

Falcons’ staff proprietor Arthur Clean instructed The Atlanta Journal-Structure on Tuesday, that the staff did inform Cousins that they might in all probability draft a quarterback within the 2024 Draft, however based on a number of studies, the Penix draft choose was not revealed till the staff was on the clock.

Clean confirmed within the interview that Cousins is the franchise and beginning quarterback. However, one factor the 13-year NFL veteran is all too acquainted with is having one other quarterback gunning for his job. 

“He in contrast it to 2012 with Robert Griffin III … he mentioned he realized rather a lot at the moment of being in a locker room the place he was the man making an attempt to get the job,” Russini continued.

“He pointed to his time in Michigan State – Nick Foles was provided a scholarship two days after he [Cousins] dedicated to Michigan State.”  

Cousins signed with Atlanta after spending 2018 via 2023 with the Minnesota Vikings. 

In July, the four-time Professional Bowler was medically cleared for coaching camp after tearing his Achilles final October. 

Russini believes all of the adversity Cousins has overcome will assist gas him as he enters a brand new period in Atlanta.

“He is been dealt quite a lot of these conditions, and similar to anything in life, while you become older, you lean into your expertise.”

The Falcons kick off their common season on Sept. 8 in opposition to the Pittsburgh Steelers at 1 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports activities app. 

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