Kirk Cousins concerned Falcons’ decision to draft Michael Penix Jr. doesn’t help team this season

The Atlanta Falcons made a surprising selection, taking former Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

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

Atlanta called Cousins ​​while they were on the clock to let him know they were taking the former Huskies quarterback, his agent Mike McCartney said. Athleticism. When he signed with the team this offseason, the Falcons told Cousins ​​they would draft a quarterback in the later rounds of the 2024 draft. He was stunned when they won one in the first round, choosing University of Washington star Michael Penix Jr.. McCartney and Cousins’ biggest concern is that they don’t believe this helps the team for the upcoming season.

Part of the reason Atlanta chose Penix is ​​because it believes he won’t have the top pick in upcoming drafts with Cousins ​​at center for the next few years, an insider said. ‘team. Athleticism.

The Falcons signed Cousins ​​this offseason to a four-year contract worth $180 million, including $100 million guaranteed. The 35-year-old quarterback is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon he suffered in Week 8 of last season. Cousins ​​said during his introductory press conference in March that he could take drops and pass, but if added, “I think the minute I would have to leave the pocket, that’s where you’d say, ‘Yeah, he’s still recovering from an Achilles.’ ‘”

Reviews varied on Penix

I didn’t think the Falcons would use the eighth pick on Michael Penix Jr., that’s for sure, but I think Penix was a really 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 the No. 2 quarterback in this draft, behind Caleb Williams. It seems that very few people agree with this assessment.

My feeling during Super Bowl week was that Penix would be gone in the middle of the first round, but the recent chatter surrounding him made me feel like that was a stretch. With quarterbacks, there can be a lot of volatility. If a team likes one, they should take it. And when teams already feel set on their position, they simply don’t select them most of the time. This is how someone like Penix can leave earlier than expected while Aaron Rodgers waits longer than expected. — Mike Sando, National NFL Writer

Required reading

(Photo: Jorge Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images)