The Atlanta Falcons made a surprising decision during the NFL Draft by selecting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. from Washington with the No. 8 overall pick, shortly after signing 36-year-old veteran QB Kirk Cousins to a massive four-year, $180 million contract. Cousins, who is guaranteed $100 million and is recovering from an Achilles injury, was reportedly unaware of the team's decision until moments before the announcement. The selection of Penix, described as the best pure passer in the draft, appears to be a strategic choice looking towards the future. Penix's contract is projected at four years, $22.8 million, focusing on long-term value.
Sunday football notes: The Falcons selecting Michael Penix was the biggest head-scratcher of the NFL draft https://t.co/02w0Dq3XeT
Were the Falcons justified in selecting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. eighth overall? After the conclusion of the 2024 NFL Draft, @greggrosenthal presents one thought for each of the 32 teams in the league. https://t.co/uKedamX5IL https://t.co/CQhVi9sd5k
#Falcons coach Raheem Morris says QB Kirk Cousins won't have to look over his shoulder at first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. https://t.co/ouHatFmAeV
Atlanta Falcons #NFLDraft Class of 2024 No. 8 -- QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington No. 35 -- DL Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson No. 74 -- EDGE Bralen Trice, Washington No. 109 -- DL Brandon Dorlus, Oregon No. 143 -- LB JD Bertrand, Notre Dame No. 186 -- RB Jase McClellan, Alabama…
The #Falcons took five front-7 players in eight picks this weekend. After the flashy, shocking selection of Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 overall, ATL went with a lot of depth, athleticism, length and versatility on the defensive side of the ball.
The Falcons pinched pennies at QB last year, and now have overcorrected by signing Cousins and drafting Penix https://t.co/RTv660dE9V
“And with the 8th pick of the 2024 NFL draft the Atlanta Falcons select… Michael Penix Jr. university of Washington” @danorlovsky7 @FredTaylorMade @OfficialCrowder To hear the convo tap into @thepivot! https://t.co/SPFwZfq1FJ https://t.co/brR9eqsmeW
“And with the 8th pick of the 2024 NFL draft the Atlanta Falcons select… Michael Penix Jr. university of Washington” https://t.co/nlbqhnd32t
Trent Dilfer told “Hot Mic” why he thinks the Atlanta Falcons controversial Michael Penix pick was a “brilliant” move by the team, and why J.J. McCarthy is a perfect fit for the Minnesota Vikings https://t.co/qXoWQlhh9k
As the Falcons try to clean up their mess with Kirk Cousins, they suggest Michael Penix Jr. could sit for "four or five years." https://t.co/KZFZTUrlOh
In the NFL Draft on April 25, a record six quarterbacks were taken in the first 12 picks. The Atlanta Falcons surprised by selecting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the first round, shortly after signing Kirk Cousins to a $180 million contract. https://t.co/TWQp3kIWyo
Michael Penix might turn out to be a great QB for the Falcons. He certainly has the arm. If he was going to a team where he could play right away, his age (soon to be 24) wouldn't be a big deal. But Kirk Cousins has $90 million coming from the Falcons the next two years so he's…
Mina Kimes made the perfect breakdown for why the Falcons pick of Michael Penix made no sense. 🔽 https://t.co/KUQphaBesk
ICYMI: Michael Penix Jr. had "a very good conversation" with Falcons QB Kirk Cousins on draft night https://t.co/06FlXyfu2B https://t.co/GFyLcXQO4h
Michael Penix Jr. received a congratulatory call from Kirk Cousins even as Cousins’ agent was second-guessing the Falcons adding depth to their quarterback spot. https://t.co/x6RzVjQ5E1
Atlanta Falcons 2024 #NFLDraft after the first three rounds: No. 8 — QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington No. 35 — DL Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson No. 74 — EDGE Bralen Trice, Washington Remaining picks: No. 109 (4th round), No. 143 (5th round), No. 186 (6th round), No. 187 (6th…
Falcons still feel justified in drafting Michael Penix Jr. despite signing Kirk Cousins https://t.co/xzOW3Enb6f
#Falcons coach Raheem Morris described the phone call last night between Kirk Cousins and Penix as “a pretty cool outing by both of those guys to have the empathy and the humility to talk to each other about what was gonna happen and how [Cousins] talked about his support.”
Atlanta Falcons fans meet your new QB — Michael Penix Jr. https://t.co/Jzn8VY2pZv
The #Falcons had to spend to land Cousins, and Penix’s contract is projected to four-years, $22.8 million with a fifth-year option. So, the Falcons committed $202.8 million to the quarterback position this offseason. https://t.co/k0SBUN5wH5
This is why Todd McShay believes the Falcons made the right move drafting Michael Penix Jr. https://t.co/1L4L70qNZR
Michael Penix already has Michael Vick aspirations after Falcons’ shock NFL draft pick https://t.co/rLAbyH0dNQ https://t.co/T7ueqD9vmO
Falcons' Michael Penix Jr. says Kirk Cousins reached out after surprise pick: 'Amazing guy' https://t.co/lm8rd67nVO
Live on The Athletic Football Show, @DMRussini gives insight on Kirk Cousins' reaction to the Falcons drafting Michael Penix Jr. Spolier: He's not happy. https://t.co/RwccuBgZhr https://t.co/9DmSRU8iFr
If Michael Penix Jr proves worthy as a QB someday of his No. 8 pick overall in 2024 NFL Draft, he’ll make a solid face of the franchise for the Atlanta Falcons. He’s strikingly affable. I was at his introductory press conference. @WSBTVsports https://t.co/d2J4S2yWjE
If Michael Penix Jr proves worthy as a QB someday of his No. 8 pick overall in 2024 NFL Draft, he’ll make a solid face of the franchise for the Atlanta Falcons. He’s strikingly affable. @WSBTVsports https://t.co/BHkDfgb3Qi
"If you think you’re going to be good, which is why you pay Kirk Cousins $100 million guaranteed, you’re doing your team a disservice by not making your team better so that you can compete now." Mina Kimes questioned the Falcons' pick of Michael Penix Jr. https://t.co/8Zp8UiCPis https://t.co/HRtciXtiOU
The Falcons picking Michael Penix Jr. and giving Kirk Cousins a massive contract undermines both quarterbacks' chances of success in Atlanta @ClayTravis https://t.co/nhlUC4dMhG
The Falcons drafting Penix is unfair to Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix as it undercuts the chances of success for both. Total failure of business and logic by owner Arthur Blank and his team. Anyone arguing otherwise is 100% wrong. Watch: https://t.co/xvsAYdhyQG
Michael Penix Jr. had "a very good conversation" with Falcons QB Kirk Cousins on draft night https://t.co/06FlXyfu2B https://t.co/fB4n1CAXbo
The Falcons' selection of Michael Penix Jr. with the 8th overall pick in the NFL Draft is indefensibly stupid @ClayTravis https://t.co/Hip0XlG1sf
Social media TORCHED the Atlanta Falcons for drafting Michael Penix Jr., and the reactions are hilarious. CHECK IT OUT: https://t.co/htW4Tj3EUw https://t.co/bCFezA9d2P
.@DilfersDimes believes the Falcons' Michael Penix pick is the team attempting to build a dynasty @HuttonOutkick https://t.co/99oZMksuXf
Michael Penix Jr., the biggest surprise of the NFL draft's first round, received a congratulatory call from Kirk Cousins on Thursday night even as Cousins' agent was second-guessing the Atlanta Falcons adding depth to their quarterback spot. https://t.co/C16cdW5gGj
The Atlanta Falcons selected quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 in the first round of the #NFLDraft after signing free-agent QB Kirk Cousins this offseason. How will Penix fit in Atlanta's system? More from @JoshTheAthletic ⤵️ https://t.co/xoI4114P7m https://t.co/Psyc7q4rUW
Immediately after the Falcons drafted QB Michael Penix Jr., a league source told @TonyPauline the decision to draft Penix “was driven by the owner.” https://t.co/DnILxDrXSz
.@EmmanuelAcho: The Falcons are acquiring Kirk Cousins to win now and drafting Michael Penix Jr. to win later... It's a brilliant move. https://t.co/ftUuxowYbx
Falcons officials looked like they were in a hostage video while trying to explain contacting Kirk Cousins after drafting Michael Penix Jr. WATCH: https://t.co/x7sOxTl52S https://t.co/deY75kTepi
Michael Penix Jr. speaks on positive conversation with Kirk Cousins.🗣️ https://t.co/hENmwJ01Uu https://t.co/nWRaVNyzpb
Kirk Cousins says he's "super excited" to work with Michael Penix Jr. https://t.co/CuybWK25xC
Michael Penix Jr., Kirk Cousins had conversation after NFL draft surprise https://t.co/DCf0Kc8Czy
Kirk Cousins called Michael Penix Jr. on the night he was drafted. Amazing leadership by Cousins. https://t.co/J65hIUveYc
Kirk Cousins called Michael Penix on Thursday night. https://t.co/6CG9I1kStm
Kirk Cousins called Michael Penix Jr. on Thursday night after the Atlanta Falcons selected the QB with the No. 8 overall pick 📞 Read more: https://t.co/oBNjjg1M9q https://t.co/OZBTMo2Z8i
From our pre-Draft coverage on @NFLNetwork: Looking at the #Falcons shocker by taking Michael Penix Jr. https://t.co/dFzvq9wIu8
The Falcons have the 43rd pick tonight. Can't wait to see if they grab Spencer Rattler or Michael Pratt to serve as their 3rd QB. They need to think about life after Michael Penix because Cousins/ Penix will be good enough that they won't be able to pick high for several years.
#Falcons QB Michael Penix after his presser. https://t.co/bGJfz8idds
Michael Penix Jr. introduced by the #Falcons https://t.co/HJO4KO2v81
#Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. has talked the Kirk Cousins and has received a text from Michael Vick. https://t.co/8smAC1md9r
Michael Penix Jr. said Kirk Cousins did reach out to him last night, while he wanted to keep the convo private he said it was good nonetheless.
Penix Jr. said Cousins reached out to him last night and the two had a "very good conversation": "I’m super excited to work with him. He said he’s the same with me." #Falcons
"I wasn't shocked that the Falcons picking Michael Penix Jr. ... I was FLUMMOXED!" 🤣 — @Chris_Broussard https://t.co/WF3mM1cq4W
New #Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr.: https://t.co/gX5IdBL2D5
"The time and investment in Michael Penix should be well worth the risk and the headache that comes along with all the conversation about them disrespecting Kirk Cousins." -@BuckyBrooks on why he's a fan of the Falcons' controversial pick https://t.co/frwOd1LkuF
Atlanta Falcons fans should be ECSTATIC that they got Michael Penix Jr. He is the best PURE PASSER in this draft class and can throw to and through windows no other QB in this class can. Kirk Cousins is the now. Penix is the future. And that’s okay. https://t.co/W6vnElN7r8
Falcons' decision to draft Michael Penix Jr. makes no sense https://t.co/yYA9ums7Om
Did the Falcons actually make the right call by drafting Michael Penix Jr.? @McShay13 joined @ryenarussillo live on YouTube today and explained why he likes the move for Atlanta: https://t.co/sp0fyASgri
“That was the dumbest pick I’ve ever seen in my life” - @BobbySkinner_ on the Falcons drafting Michael Penix Jr. https://t.co/s9SuEuLh1Q
The Falcons are INSANE for drafting Michael Penix Jr. at 8 https://t.co/zX0jNS2t3X
Falcons shock Vegas oddsmakers with out-of-nowhere Michael Penix Jr. pick https://t.co/eBxl96dC85 https://t.co/GSPTLIGQs8
Watch: #Falcons’ Raheem Morris, Terry Fontenot on drafting Michael Penix Jr. https://t.co/6Kef4FI7bm
Mina Kimes perfectly explains why the Falcons drafting Michael Penix Jr. made no sense https://t.co/g0ACz0Atdr https://t.co/A6aAl1x7Sy
.@minakimes is very confused by the Falcons' decision to take Michael Penix Jr. 👀 https://t.co/24Rnc0wjrY
When the Falcons selected Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 overall, everyone was shocked. Well, everyone except Brian Baldinger — who called it weeks ago. WATCH: https://t.co/nwZy6TpDfZ https://t.co/9pGHxpK2G5
Six weeks after committing $100 million to Kirk Cousins, the Falcons used the eighth overall pick on Michael Penix Jr. It makes no sense. https://t.co/Mw2gDPrtde
One of the biggest surprise pick in Thursday's NFL draft was when the Atlanta Falcons picked quarterback Michael Penix Jr. after signing veteran Kirk Cousins to a four-year $180 million contract. https://t.co/bWFIKoPT1U
Just now, @danorlovsky7 shares that the Falcons had “Penix as #2 on their QB board, neck-and-neck with Daniels.” He adds that they said, “We haven’t seen someone throw like him since Matthew Stafford.” I think ATL will be on the right side of history here.
Kirk Cousins was just as stunned by the Falcons picking Michael Penix as the rest of us https://t.co/W0ckuqOchr
Of course Dan Orlovsky is defending the Falcons picking Michael Penix Jr. https://t.co/n1desdOATr https://t.co/AOROZVmLcH
Michael Penix Jr. passing Kirk Cousins https://t.co/YQERuiB5rW
FIRST ROUND REACTIONS! ▪️ Falcons shockingly take Michael Penix Jr. ▪️ Broncos go with Bo Nix ▪️ Are the Raiders in trouble with no QB? YouTube: https://t.co/FwtO8S0jI0 Apple: https://t.co/GsGGyaySJC Spotify: https://t.co/ezFZ6gTBMI https://t.co/YrhD2qXTU5
ICYMI: 5 players on the #Falcons’ radar for the NFL draft: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington, 6-3, 212: The Falcons sent a sizable entourage, including general manager Terry Fontenot and coach Raheem Morris, to Seattle to hold a private workout with Penix. https://t.co/MsCKl7133C
ESPN's Mina Kimes rips the Falcons' selection of Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. https://t.co/AQ6k09p5A7
If you want to scratch your head because the Atlanta Falcons’ behavior is confusing, go for it. But Michael Penix Jr.? He deserved that draft slot. @AriWasserman explains. https://t.co/oRHQ90bHnB https://t.co/sQGb0Zl10R
The Falcons explained their decision to select Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick overall on Thursday night. https://t.co/G88dKKBOyX
Possibly the moment of the night from yesterday's Round 1: The Falcons take QB Michael Penix Jr. 8th overall 😮 https://t.co/dbDWjF8HJS
Falcons fan @FourVerts compares ATL drafting Michael Penix Jr. to 28-3 💀 https://t.co/UtLIhPNyqz
If nothing else, you can't say the Falcons didn't make waves with their first round draft choice. Atlanta tabbed a quarterback, Washington's Michael Penix Jr., at No. 8 in a move that was roundly described as "shocking." https://t.co/ANFD7dBZxe
.@minakimes isn't sold on the Falcons taking Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 in the draft. "It just doesn't add up. It doesn't add up for the team or the player." https://t.co/6WXVD8XKYW
Mina Kimes' takedown of the Falcons' selection of Michael Penix Jr: "I find the justification to be somewhat logically incoherent... if you think you're going to be good, which is why you pay Kirk Cousins $100 million guaranteed, you're doing your team a disservice by not making… https://t.co/h9J55MCYx3 https://t.co/okXqRbBXmR
The look on @minakimes' face when she realized Dan Orlovsky was about to defend the Falcons selecting Michael Penix Jr. https://t.co/3jiMd4tKPN
How far can 35 year old Kirk Cousins coming off an Achilles injury really take the Falcons? Micheal Penix Jr is a smart pick for a 1st year head coach & great pick for the future of the organization. You already know what you getting with Cousins when healthy.
Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins meeting at the Falcons facility https://t.co/heR8MzGexg
Just really a stupid pick..Falcons select quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in draft stunner after signing Kirk Cousins https://t.co/EICqGUtqBH
.@keyshawn reacts to the Falcons drafting Michael Penix Jr. 8th overall 👀 “In 2 years he will be ready to replace Kirk, if not sooner.” https://t.co/PMtsD4qEdV
Last night I thought Atlanta drafting Michael Penix Jr was the big surprise of Round 1. After sleeping on it, I've decided Kirk Cousins, a 35 yr old, off an Achilles injury, who's guaranteed $100 million, whining about the pick is more surprising. Big beta energy, right there
Here's why the Falcons drafting Michael Penix Jr. was even more surprising https://t.co/uC68nKKdjv
Falcons draft Michael Penix Jr.: How he fits, pick grade and scouting intel https://t.co/0b2Xz4DNTj
Love the Michael Penix Jr. pick. Falcons got skilled/deep at most important position. But failing to prep Kirk Cousins for his new reality is organizational mismanagement. Atlanta skipped a vital step. Tone deaf to not involve him. 1st pick should solve a problem, not cause one.
The Atlanta Falcons pulled the biggest stunner of the first round by drafting Michael Penix Jr. @VanLathan and @BillSimmons channel an old @TheRewatchables film to describe how the dynamic between Kirk Cousins and Penix may play out: https://t.co/AxQCpXjb4S
I seem to recall Kirk Cousins explaining his decision to leave the Vikings for the Falcons based on the sense only one team was truly committed to him. He surely felt betrayed by the Falcons decision to draft Michael Penix at 8.
Kirk Cousins ‘stunned,’ Kyle Pitts ‘shocked,’ but Falcons feel good about Michael Penix Jr. https://t.co/fCd6kPivPI
THE FALCONS PICKED … MICHAEL PENIX JR??? NOW ON @undisputed
So the NFL Draft, the No. 8 pick, the Atlanta Falcons, Kirk Cousins, Michael Penix Jr, Dallas Turner and a question: What in the name of lunacy is this franchise doing? Click link below https://t.co/DhfNEI3hE0 https://t.co/961K0PkHCu
Falcons' Kyle Pitts reacts to shocking Michael Penix Jr pick in real time: 'I like this one' https://t.co/tJcl01te8q
𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: After initially being “perplexed” by the #Falcons selection of Michael Penix, Dan Orlovsky says he now “loves” and “understands” the pick, he said this morning. “When the draft happened last night, I was unbelievably perplexed by this pick. And then I went to… https://t.co/AdZzXXyAM4
Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins when they see each other at the Falcons facility: https://t.co/5BkFmChLgV
The Falcons did the right thing. Kirk Cousins is coming off a serious injury, and Michael Penix could be the best QB of the draft IMO. If you don’t have a QB in today’s NFL you’re going nowhere, so hedge your bets. https://t.co/N5sPKHaGOx
The Falcons nonsensical explanation for drafting Michael Penix Jr. isn't helping https://t.co/ll50AdiT0c https://t.co/UvEMAQHyLK
Atlanta Falcons officials looked like they were in a hostage video while trying to explain contacting Kirk Cousins after drafting Michael Penix Jr. WATCH: https://t.co/x7sOxTkxdk https://t.co/4HkCaaqNvq
Dan Orlovsky on the Falcons selecting Michael Penix Jr: "When the draft happened last night, I was unbelievably perplexed by this pick. And then I went to bed and I thought about it a little bit more. And then I had some insight shared and not only do I love the pick, I totally… https://t.co/v1hvl1Q6Ve
"At least you have your quarterback of the future. But what you don't have is an impact player ... to continue to build this team that you went out and got Kirk Cousins to lead." —@Realrclark25 reacts to Atlanta drafting Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 👀 https://t.co/WAbCZKakyM
Thoughts on Michael Penix Jr and the Falcons… https://t.co/g9EwHbhnD7
Dave Portnoy brands Atlanta Falcons 'IDIOTS' for picking quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in 2024 NFL Draft - weeks after signing Kirk Cousins on $180m, four-year deal https://t.co/WWIv5WADJY https://t.co/GMnZieuixv
What they said: Why #Falcons selected Michael Penix, Jr. https://t.co/y0xAwgidXX
Like many of you, I've often found myself at odds with decisions that the Falcons have made. But taking Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick is something I can get behind. https://t.co/RPp7TkSdrC
The #Falcons will likely pay QB Michael Penix Jr. $16M over the next 2 seasons to ramp up/learn behind Kirk Cousins (who will earn $90M over that span) After that, they'll have MPJ on a 2 year, $6.8M guarantee through 2027, plus the 2028 option to boot. There's time for value…
The Falcons were widely expected to focus on defense during the draft after signing Kirk Cousins to the largest total value free-agency deal in NFL history. @JoshTheAthletic on how the pick "stunned" some of the organization ⤵️ https://t.co/xoI4114P7m https://t.co/mObTMTtPh2
Social media TORCHED the Falcons for drafting Michael Penix Jr., and the reactions are hilarious. CHECK IT OUT: https://t.co/htW4Tj4cK4 https://t.co/tiPx7cW4zy
Drafting Michael Penix after signing Kirk Cousins, the Falcons are clearly anticipating the NFL changing its rules to allow for a superflex.
Don't blame Falcons just yet for NFL draft bombshell pick of QB Michael Penix Jr. https://t.co/MHrkoQSXpt
Catching up on the NFL Draft... WTF to the Falcons do taking Penix at 7?! Not only was the pick an insane stretch, they just gave Cousins $100M guaranteed. And this will just piss him off. One of the dumbest moves I recall in quite some time...
Falcons select quarterback Michael Penix Jr in draft stunner after signing Kirk Cousins https://t.co/lt3gijUTBY
Kirk Cousins Stunned Falcons Took QB Michael Penix Jr in NFL Draft: Report https://t.co/0d2ofvLIyU https://t.co/D1gWAfJXed
Watch: #Falcons’ Morris, Fontenot on drafting Michael Penix Jr. https://t.co/6Kef4FI7bm
Falcons' Michael Penix Jr selection appeared to have stunned Kirk Cousins, reports say https://t.co/kuhyMcPoMh
Falcons Make Shocking Pick, Select QB Michael Penix Jr. No. 8 Overall https://t.co/NBRA1zcTDD https://t.co/m2Y4YvMTCx
The Falcons explain why they picked Michael Penix Jr. with Kirk Cousins already in the building. https://t.co/G88dKKBOyX
It's pretty incredible to think that the Falcons managed to fall in love with Michael Penix between signing Kirk Cousins in early-March and the draft. Or pretty incredible that they were already in love with Penix by the open of free agency and gave Cousins $100 million anyway.
The Falcons shocked EVERYONE with their selection of Michael Penix! 😱 https://t.co/nyBrxaw5d1
Kirk Cousins reportedly stunned by Falcons pick after signing massive offseason contract https://t.co/9kRt8hgwUm
Kirk Cousins turns 36 this year. Does anyone realistically think he has more than 2 good seasons left? Plus there’s an out in his contract after 2027. Drafting Penix Jr. is completely understandable. The Falcons are looking beyond just the next few years.
Falcons' selection of QB Michael Penix Jr. was "a big surprise" for Kirk Cousins' camp, per @MikeGarafolo https://t.co/2LrQHO7rcl https://t.co/hpWH634mZR
‘We got no heads up’: Kirk Cousins surprised by Falcons Penix Jr selection https://t.co/IZgQlwMhmx
COLUMN: Michael Penix Jr. is a risk worth taking for the #Falcons -- By @ksugiuraajc https://t.co/G6nqqhZdaG
Adam Schefter with more on the Atlanta Falcons' stunning decision to select Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8. "Kirk Cousins found out moments before you and I did, as the Falcons were on the clock."🏈#NFLDraft https://t.co/He2kr7bmz5 https://t.co/qk6fO1Dw6M
Atlanta Falcons fans react to the team drafting Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. 💀 https://t.co/WqpR6BgUUb
Morris said he'd keep Cousins' reaction to the Penix pick private: "It’s never a right time to talk to a quarterback about those things." #Falcons