The Atlanta Falcons made a surprising move during the NFL draft by selecting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick. This unexpected decision raised eyebrows as the team had recently signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a lucrative contract to be their new starting QB. The selection of Penix Jr. came as a shock to many, including Cousins' agent, who described it as a big surprise.
Following his selection, Penix Jr. revealed that he had a positive conversation with Cousins, expressing his excitement to work with the seasoned quarterback. The young quarterback emphasized his eagerness to learn from Cousins and support him in his career.
Penix Jr. comes to the Falcons after an impressive college career at Washington, where he showcased his talent by passing for over 4,500 yards in consecutive seasons. The Falcons' management, including general manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris, reiterated that Cousins remains the team's starting quarterback.
Despite this, they expressed enthusiasm about having Penix Jr. on board and building for the future. Penix Jr. emphasized the importance of staying true to himself and approaching the opportunity with confidence and a willingness to learn and adapt to the team's system.
