When the Atlanta Falcons signed free-agent quarterback Kirk Cousins several weeks ago and added him to an offense that already included studs such as wide receiver Drake London and running back Bijan Robinson, it looked like they had a shot at returning to the playoffs.
But their prospects have been thrown into confusion after they drafted quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick in last week’s draft.
Many don’t understand why they took Penix, especially knowing that he likely won’t play much for at least a couple of years, which led John Middlekauff to say the Falcons “have no plan,” per The Volume.
Middlekauff even predicted that the situation could create a weird situation in the locker room, since Cousins, who tore his Achilles in the middle of last season, won’t be available for upcoming OTAs, and Penix will instead fill in under center.
“The Falcons have no plan”
—@JohnMiddlekauff on Atlanta’s self-made quarterback controversy pic.twitter.com/YJDjC03LzW
— The Volume (@TheVolumeSports) April 30, 2024
The only thing that could make any sense about Atlanta taking Penix is the fact that Cousins is not only coming off an injury that has ended the careers of many athletes but is also in his mid-30s.
But the fact that Atlanta gave Cousins a very big contract worth $180 million over four years complicates the whole situation.
Penix led everyone in the NCAA with 4,903 passing yards while throwing 36 touchdown passes last season with the University of Washington while leading his team to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
But what makes the whole situation even more confusing is the fact that the Falcons took him over J.J. McCarthy, who was generally considered a better prospect and the fourth-best quarterback in this year’s draft.
