In an unexpected move, Michael Penix Jr., who finished as runner-up for the Heisman Trophy last season, has been selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL Draft with their eighth overall pick. This decision comes after the team signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year contract worth $180 million just this offseason.
This bold move left many fans perplexed as paying such an exorbitant amount for one player and then drafting another in the top 10 is uncommon, particularly when both positions require high salaries. OutKick’s founder Clay Travis has voiced his disapproval of this decision by calling it a total flop on a financial level as there seems to be no justification for selecting Penix given Cousins’ already significant salary commitment.
Travis explained that the only reason teams should consider drafting quarterbacks is during their early career stages, when they cost significantly less compared to seasoned professionals with impressive stats under their belt. He further elaborated by stating that if a player proves themselves as an exceptional talent like Penix has this past year after finishing in the top five finalists for the coveted Heisman Trophy award, then it’s still better to pay them more substantial salaries once they have demonstrated sustained excellence on the field.
As Cousins signed a new contract worth $45 million, and with Penix joining an already crowded quarterback lineup in Atlanta alongside Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder, and Danny Etling, this decision seems highly questionable from both financial and strategic perspectives according to Travis. In light of these circumstances, fans have been voicing their concerns over social media regarding the Falcons’ latest move as they look towards Penix with great uncertainty at such a crucial juncture in their rebuilding strategy.
Leave a Reply