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Kirk Cousins was concerned that the Falcons’ decision to sign Michael Penix Jr. drafting the team this season doesn’t help

Published

2 months ago

April 27, 2024

Kirk Cousins was concerned that the Falcons' decision to sign Michael Penix Jr. drafting the team this season doesn't help

The Atlanta Falcons made a surprise selection by signing former Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. pick as the No. 8 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Among those shocked by the selection was their current projected starting quarterback, Kirk Cousins.

The Falcons called Cousins when they were on the clock to let him know they were taking Penix, his agent Mike McCartney said. The Athletics. When Cousins signed with the team this offseason, the Falcons told him they would draft a quarterback in the later rounds of this draft. He was stunned when they won one in the first round, and Cousins’ biggest concern is that the pick won’t help the team for the upcoming season.

Part of the reason Atlanta chose Penix is that it believes it won’t have a top pick in upcoming drafts with Cousins under center for several years, a team source said. The Athletics.

The Falcons signed Cousins this offseason to a four-year deal worth $180 million, including $100 million guaranteed. The 35-year-old quarterback is recovering from the torn Achilles tendon he suffered in Week 8 last season. Cousins said at his introductory press conference in March that he could take drops and make passes, but adding, “I think the moment I have to leave the pocket you’d say, ‘Yes, he’s still Still recovering from an Achilles tendon injury. .’”

Opinions varied about Penix

I didn’t think the Falcons would use the eighth pick on Penix, that’s for sure, but I do think Penix was a very interesting prospect in this draft.

Two former head coaches with strong track records were among the people I spoke with during the draft process who had Penix as their No. 2 quarterback in this draft, behind Caleb Williams. It seemed that very few people agreed with this assessment.

During Super Bowl week, I had a feeling Penix would be gone halfway through the first round, but the recent chatter surrounding him made me feel like that was a tall order. There can be a lot of volatility with quarterbacks. If a team loves someone, the team should take him. And if teams feel like they’re already in the right place, they usually don’t select them. For example, someone like Penix can go earlier than expected, while an Aaron Rodgers waits longer than expected. – Mike Sando, National NFL Writer