The Falcons created one of the biggest storylines of the 2024 Draft by selecting Michael Penix with the 8th overall pick. Obviously, for a franchise that had signed Kirk Cousins to a big contract a few weeks earlier, it was surprising to choose another pitcher rather than further strengthening the team to win immediately.
In the hours that followed, Cousins' agent expressed his client's dissatisfaction.
Since then, general manager Terry Fontenot and coach Raheem Morris have managed the media damage as best they can. Even if it means being clumsy.
“If you believe in a quarterback, you have to select him,” Fontenot assured the press on Friday. “And if he stays on the bench for four or five years, it's a great problem to have, because it will mean that we are doing well in this position. »
Michael Penix is already 23 years old. His rookie contract is for four years, with an option for a fifth year.
Difficult to see how Atlanta would have a “super problem” by having used the 8th overall choice of the Draft on a player who would reach the end of his contract at 27 years old without having played a snap.
Kirk Cousins doesn't have to worry about Michael Penix
Raheem Morris goes more or less in the same direction. The Falcons used a high-ranking draft pick… but not for the sake of using it.
“Kirk doesn't have to look behind his shoulder every time he throws a bad pass. This is not the case,” assures the coach. “I know I'm going to have to tell you once or twice that that's not the case. We are here to win, and to go all the way. We are here to win as much as possible. »
A college finalist with Washington, Penix has thrown 36 touchdowns for 11 interceptions in 2023. He comes behind Cousins who is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon at the age of 35.
On Saturday, the rookie explained to the press that he spoke with Cousins on the phone and that they had a good discussion.
“I'm super excited to work with him, and he told me it's the same for him,” assured the debutant.
Still, the Falcons are now one of the curiosities of the coming season, and no longer just because of the signing of Cousins. Whether Morris likes it or not.
“I hate that it’s the big story of the Draft,” assures Morris. “I know it will. This is how our world turns, and I can't say it's annoying. No. Because that's what people want to see. This generated more interest. What's the name of (Travis) Kelce's girlfriend? I feel like her. I'm Taylor Swift and Terry (Fontenot) is Kelce, I think. »
Here again, we had to dare.
