The Atlanta Falcons made a surprise selection, taking former Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Among those surprised by the selection was their current projected starting quarterback, Kirk Cousins.
The Atlanta Falcons paid big to land Kirk Cousins, the consensus best quarterback available in free agency. It was a move designed to help them win in the here and now, giving Raheem Morris and offensive coordinator Zach Robinson their veteran player equivalent of Matthew Stafford or Matt Ryan to a roster they clearly felt was That they are ready to compete.
The Falcons, who signed Kirk Cousins in the offseason, draft Michael Penix Jr.
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 26, 2024
Before the pick, Ian Rapoport said that the Falcons were considering it. "It's all about succession at the most important position." pic.twitter.com/aSQlTrR9sp
There were certainly long-term questions at this position, but not necessarily ones that demanded immediate solutions.
The Falcons, on the other hand, made the assumption—not the actual conclusion—that they would select that long-term solution in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. This might be the long-term fix the Falcons require, establishing a smooth succession plan that ushers in a fantastic period of success in Atlanta. Alternatively, it might not, and given certain indications, the Falcons may have decided to cut ties with the quarterback they signed to a lucrative contract at this point.
As we all sit in shock over the Atlanta pick, a source tells me Kirk Cousins just as “shocked” and “disappointed” Never said anything to him or his reps about a QB in 1st round despite suggesting they would. Still “it’s a business”
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) April 26, 2024
And that’s a concern for Cousins, considering he’s in the final stages of his career. He joined the Falcons from a fairly comfortable position in Minnesota because they offered him the best deal, yes, but also because he was confident that under his leadership they could win in the short term.
Offensive moves have likely reinforced that belief, but even with the combination of a successful second day of the draft and free agent signings, it’s hard to see the Falcons getting dramatically better on defense at this point.
His agent Mike McCartney told The Athletic that while he was on the clock the Falcons called Cousins to tell him they were moving Penix. When Cousins signed with the team this offseason, the Falcons told him they would draft a quarterback in the later rounds of this draft.
The Falcons called Kirk Cousins when they were on the clock to let him know.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) April 26, 2024
From what I learned, Cousins understood a QB would be considered but he did not believe his successor would be taken in the first round. I’m told he’s a bit stunned.
He was stunned when they took one in the first round, and Cousins’ biggest concern is that this selection will not help the team for the upcoming season.
The Falcons signed Cousins to a four-year deal worth $180 million this offseason, which included $100 million guaranteed. The 35-year-old quarterback is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon suffered in Week 8 of last season.
Joel Embiid of the 76ers is reportedly receiving treatment for a “mild case” of Bell’s palsy.
Cousins said in his introductory press conference in March that he can take drops and make passes, but added, “I think the moment I have to leave the pocket, you’ll say, ‘Yeah, he’s still got an Achilles. Recovering from.
Opinions varied on Penix
I didn’t think the Falcons would use the eighth pick on Penix, that’s for sure, but I think Penix was a really interesting prospect in this draft.
People I talked to during the draft process included two former head coaches with strong track records who had Penix as the No. 2 quarterback behind Caleb Williams in this draft. It seemed as if very few people agreed with this assessment.
There's inherent frustration and confusion from Cousins' camp, as they didn't use that pick to help the team in 2024. They instead drafted his eventual replacement before he's put on a Falcons helmet.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) April 26, 2024
With Cousins the clear front-runner at this point and Penix prepared to step in and contribute when called upon, the Falcons obviously think they can tread carefully here. However, these are real people debating significant choices that will eventually affect their ability to keep their jobs, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise if the Falcons have to cope with more consequences from this choice than they had anticipated.
