Falcons select QB Michael Penix Jr. over Kirk Cousins following signing

Atlanta Falcons surprise by drafting Washington's Michael Penix Jr. 8th overall. Penix joins Kirk Cousins, aiming for comeback from injury.

The Atlanta Falcons made a bold move by selecting Michael Penix Jr. from Washington as the eighth overall pick in the draft. This surprising choice gives the Falcons another quarterback option alongside Kirk Cousins, who recently signed a lucrative four-year, $180 million deal with $100 million guaranteed.

Cousins, at 35 years old, is looking to bounce back from a right Achilles tendon tear that cut short his 2023 season in October. Meanwhile, Penix, who will turn 24 in May, is coming off an outstanding senior season where he led the Huskies to the national championship game. He threw for an impressive 4,903 yards and 36 touchdown passes, although he was intercepted 11 times.

Despite his stellar performance, Penix ended up as the Heisman Trophy runner-up behind Jayden Daniels of LSU. He did, however, clinch the Maxwell Award for the nation's top college football player. With two consecutive seasons of breaking Washington's single-season passing record, Penix has proven his talent on the field.

Penix's draft position as the fourth quarterback selected may have been influenced by his injury history. Throughout his six-year collegiate career, which began at Indiana, he faced setbacks from anterior cruciate ligament injuries and shoulder injuries.

Last season, the Falcons struggled with their quarterback situation, rotating between Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke. This resulted in a 27th ranking in the NFL for passer rating at 80.5, with 17 touchdown passes and 17 interceptions.

Cousins, a seasoned four-time Pro Bowl selection, had been a reliable starter until his injury last year. The addition of Penix provides depth and competition in the quarterback position for the Falcons as they aim to improve their performance in the upcoming season.

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