The Atlanta Falcons entered the offseason as one of the teams most in need of upgrading at quarterback, so they signed the top QB on the market, handing Kirk Cousins the richest contract in free agency. While Cousins provides an immediate boost for this offense, he’s also a 35-year-old player coming off a torn Achilles.
While the Falcons may have signed Cousins to a four-year contract, there’s also a need to add more depth, since Taylor Heinicke is the only other QB on the roster. However, NFL insider Ian Rapoport suggests Falcons team owner Arthur Blank could force GM Terry Fontenot’s hand to ensure Atlanta has a proper succession plan in place.
Atlanta Falcons secretly targeting Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8?
According to Rapoport, this could even involve selecting a quarterback with the eighth overall pick later tonight. Specifically, Rapoport named Michael Penix Jr. as the target Atlanta may have in mind.
“A lot of people around the league believe they’re going to take a defensive player. I want to add one thing to the mix here. Arthur Blank, the owner, has made it clear that a succession plan at quarterback is very important to him. They took a hard look at quarterbacks, specifically, Michael Penix. Would they take him at eight? I don’t know the answer to that, but I know it is something they are going to consider, if only it is what Arthur Blank wants them to do.”
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport on Atlanta Falcons’ interest in draft Michael Penix Jr.
The Atlanta Falcons are seriously considering Michael Penix Jr at No. 8, apparently… @RapSheet pic.twitter.com/QsXJMtIMns
— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) April 25, 2024
This would be a massive surprise after the Falcons prioritized their free agency spending on improving the offense, leaving a bare cupboard for first-year head coach Raheem Morris’ defense. Most NFL mock drafts have the Falcons picking a defender, such as an edge rusher or cornerback at No. 8, or possibly trading down to gather more draft capital.
But a QB? How would that help Cousins win right away? At the same time, getting a developmental prospect who could witness how a true professional prepares each week could prove valuable in the long run.
Related: NFL QB Rankings 2024: From Patrick Mahomes to Zach Wilson