During the NFL’s recent free agency frenzy, the Atlanta Falcons emerged as one of the most active teams. Their bold moves included securing former Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins with a hefty four-year, $180 million deal. However, despite solidifying their quarterback situation for the present, the Falcons are actively planning for the future.
In pursuit of their quarterback of tomorrow, the Falcons are dispatching a significant delegation to Seattle for a private workout with Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot are among those representing the Falcons during this scouting venture.
Michael Penix Jr. has garnered attention as a prospect leading up to the draft, displaying impressive skills during his tenure with Washington, including a recent journey to the National Championship. However, his injury history has raised concerns among scouts and analysts.
Potential Draft Surprise As The Falcons Eye Penix with No. 8 Pick
Nonetheless, Penix’s undeniable arm talent and his reported ability to manipulate the line of scrimmage have contributed to his rising draft stock in the lead-up to the draft.
Selecting Penix with the No. 8 pick would be considered a luxury move for the Atlanta Falcons, but it could also be a shrewd one. Given that quarterback Kirk Cousins might raise the team’s performance in 2024, the Falcons may not have the opportunity to secure another top quarterback prospect in the 2025 draft if they wait.
Moreover, Cousins, who is entering his age-36 season and recovering from a torn Achilles suffered last year with the Minnesota Vikings, raises uncertainty about his post-injury performance. In such a scenario, having a talented player like Penix as an insurance policy to step in if Cousins struggles to regain his form could be invaluable.
At the very least, Penix could serve as the future successor and develop as a backup option. Should the Falcons decide to draft Penix at No. 8, it would certainly be one of the more unexpected moves of the first round, potentially causing a frenzy among quarterback-needy teams slated behind the Falcons in the draft order.
