The Atlanta Falcons made a surprising move in the 2024 NFL Draft by selecting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick, despite recently signing Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract.
Cousins and his agent were reportedly caught off guard by the Falcons' decision to draft Penix. According to multiple sources, including NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo and The Guardian, Cousins had no prior indication that the team was considering selecting a quarterback in the first round.
Penix, who led FBS schools with 4,903 passing yards and was third with 36 touchdown passes at Washington in 2023, is considered to be the most pro-ready of this year's quarterback prospects. However, his durability has been a concern due to suffering four season-ending injuries at Indiana before moving to Washington.
The Falcons had been expected to use their first-round pick to address their defensive needs. Instead, they selected Penix as the apparent long-term successor to Cousins. With Cousins tied to a contract that will run for at least two years, Atlanta faces the prospect of sitting Penix until he is 26 years old.
Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot said this week he would consider selecting a quarterback high in the draft even when most of the outside focus had been on edge rushers. “If we see a player that we believe can be a franchise quarterback at any point, whether it’s this draft, next draft, whatever it is, you have to bring players in,” Fontenot said.
Penix is expected to sit behind Cousins for at least two years. He has expressed his excitement about the opportunity and his willingness to learn from the veteran quarterback.
Cousins contacted Penix on Thursday night after the draft, according to reports. The two had a good conversation, with Penix expressing his eagerness to work with Cousins and help the team win.
