Falcons’ Surprising Draft Pick for Quarterback Position Sparks Confusion and Discussion

The Atlanta Falcons surprised NFL fans during the 2024 Draft as they chose quarterback Michael Penix Jr., causing some confusion given their defensive needs and recent signing of Kirk Cousins, who received a four-year $180 million contract with $100 million in guarantees. However, when it came to selecting their first pick, the Falcons decided to add another player to their quarterback roster in Penix Jr., despite having Cousins as their new starting QB. In fact, just before the selection was announced, Kirk’s agent Mike McCartney tweeted that he expected a shocking decision from the team. Afterwards, McCartney explained they had no idea this pick would be made and were not consulted about it by Cousins or his camp. The Falcons emphasized their commitment to starting with Cousins but acknowledged the potential benefits of Penix Jr., stating that he will learn from an experienced professional like Kirk while also providing future options for quarterbacking, similar to what happened in Green Bay when Aaron Rodgers left and Jordan Love took over as starter. The Falcons are confident they made a wise decision because they do not want to continue picking near the top of drafts due to defensive weaknesses every year. While Penix Jr.’s injury history is concerning, he has shown impressive stats in his last two seasons with Washington after transferring from Indiana University.