Drew Brees, a Saints legend, found himself in the war room during the 2017 NFL Draft where head coach Sean Payton had his eye on selecting Patrick Mahomes if he was available at pick No. 11. However, the Kansas City Chiefs traded up to pick Mahomes before the Saints could, and they ended up selecting cornerback Marshon Lattimore instead. This decision was pivotal as Lattimore turned out to be a star player for the Saints. This situation highlights the importance of having a plan for the future even when a team has a successful veteran quarterback like Brees.
The 2024 NFL Draft saw a similar situation unfold with the Atlanta Falcons, who had recently signed Kirk Cousins to a lucrative contract but surprised everyone by drafting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 overall. This move raised questions about the team’s strategy and left Cousins feeling blindsided as he had not been informed about the decision beforehand. Despite the unexpected turn of events, Cousins took the high road and expressed his commitment to helping the team win a Super Bowl. Like Brees, Cousins will need to adapt to the changing dynamics of the team and focus on what he can control.
Brees reflected on the potential scenario of the Saints drafting Mahomes back in 2017 and acknowledged that he would have accepted the decision as part of the organization’s need to prepare for the future. While it may have been unexpected, Brees understood the team’s perspective and the importance of planning ahead. Cousins, facing a similar situation with the Falcons, can learn from Brees’s experience and approach the challenge with a positive mindset, focusing on his performance on the field and supporting the team’s goals.
The Falcons’ decision to draft a quarterback despite having Cousins on the roster reflects their belief in Penix as a potential successor to Cousins. While the move may have been surprising, it underscores the team’s commitment to securing their future at the quarterback position. Cousins, like Brees, will need to navigate the situation with professionalism and a team-first attitude, focusing on his role in helping the team succeed in the present while also preparing for the future.
Brees’s successful tenure with the Saints, marked by consistent performance and leadership, serves as a model for Cousins as he embarks on his new journey with the Falcons. By focusing on his performance on the field and embracing the team’s goals, Cousins can contribute to the team’s success and create a positive impact both in the present and for future seasons. Brees’s words of wisdom about controlling what one can influence and adapting to changing circumstances can guide Cousins as he navigates the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in Atlanta.
As Brees retired in 2020 after an illustrious career with the Saints, his legacy as a respected and accomplished quarterback endures as a source of inspiration for players like Cousins who find themselves in a similar situation of change and transition. By staying focused on the present, supporting the team’s objectives, and embracing the opportunities that come his way, Cousins can follow in Brees’s footsteps and make a meaningful impact on the Falcons while preparing for the future of the franchise.
