The Atlanta Falcons made a surprising move in the 2024 NFL Draft by selecting Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick, despite having signed veteran Pro Bowler Kirk Cousins to a massive contract just prior. Cousins, who was reportedly blindsided by the decision, had no indication that the team was considering taking a quarterback with their first-round pick until they called him while they were on the clock. Various reports described Cousins as stunned, shocked, and disappointed by the news, as well as frustrated and confused that the pick was used to potentially replace him. Despite this, Cousins’ agent confirmed that the quarterback understands the business of football and is ready to move forward with his new team.
Mock drafts had predicted that the Falcons would focus on strengthening their defense with their first-round pick, but instead they surprised many by selecting a quarterback. The team’s offensive core is highly regarded, with players like running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London, and tight end Kyle Pitts, and the defense showed improvement in 2023. Despite the unexpected decision to draft a quarterback after committing a significant amount of guaranteed money to Cousins, the Falcons are still viewed as a potential contender in the NFC South and a team that could return to the NFL Playoffs in 2024. The team’s previous success, combined with their young talent on both sides of the ball, has positioned them as a trendy pick for the upcoming season.
The Falcons’ decision to invest heavily in a veteran quarterback only to draft a rookie at the same position has raised questions and surprised many within the NFL world. The move was unexpected and unconventional, as most teams do not spend such a significant amount of money on a veteran quarterback only to draft his potential replacement shortly after. It remains to be seen how the situation will play out for the Falcons, Cousins, and Penix Jr., but it has undoubtedly created a buzz and generated discussion among fans and analysts.
The fallout from the draft pick has been significant, with reports detailing Cousins’ initial shock and disappointment at the news. The quarterback, who had not been informed of the team’s plans beforehand, was left surprised by the Falcons’ decision to draft Penix Jr. as his potential successor. Despite this unexpected turn of events, Cousins has expressed a willingness to move forward with his new team and has demonstrated an understanding of the realities of the business of football. The situation has added an element of drama and intrigue to the upcoming season, as fans and analysts speculate on how the team will navigate the unique circumstances.
As the Falcons move forward into the 2024 season, all eyes will be on the quarterback situation and how the team handles the complexities of having both Cousins and Penix Jr. on the roster. The decision to draft a quarterback in the first round following a major investment in a veteran signal-caller has created a storyline that will be closely monitored throughout the season. The team’s success or struggles will likely be closely tied to how they manage the quarterback position and integrate both players into their offensive system. Despite the initial shock and surprise surrounding the draft pick, the Falcons remain optimistic about their chances in the upcoming season and are focused on making a strong push towards the playoffs.
