After spending most of their cap space on free-agent quarterback Kirk Cousins, the Atlanta Falcons used their most valuable draft asset (pick No. 8 overall) to select Washington QB Michael Penix Jr.
While the strategy was somewhat unconventional, these two moves helped the Falcons secure both the present and future of the quarterback position. Cousins will start for the team in 2024 and Penix will develop on the bench, but where does Taylor Heinicke fall into the mix?
According to Falcons head coach Raheem Morris, Heinicke and Penix are expected to split second-team quarterback reps throughout training camp.
Morris stated that Michael Penix will split second team reps with Taylor Heinicke #Falcons
— Jarvis Davis (@JarvisD90) July 25, 2024
Heinicke has plenty of starting experience and made four starts for Atlanta in 2023. The veteran QB passed for 890 yards, five touchdowns, and four interceptions for a passer rating of 74.7. The Falcons will likely use the preseason to determine which quarterback will serve as the primary backup in 2024.
According to team reporter Tori McElhaney, Cousins said he hopes to play in the preseason but Morris likely won’t allow him to. “I want to play, but I think that ask fell on deaf ears,” said Cousins.
Kirk Cousins when asked if he would play in the preseason games for the Falcons: "I want to play, but I think that ask fell on deaf ears."
He laughed when he said this, and added he hoped he wasn't letting the proverbial cat out of the bag by saying so.
"I think seeing live…
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) July 25, 2024
Assuming Cousins doesn’t change Morris’ mind, Penix should get a large portion of the quarterback reps in the preseason. The former Washington standout passed for 36 touchdowns and 11 interceptions for the Huskies in 2023.
