When the Atlanta Falcons signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins in the offseason to a whopping four-year, $180 million deal with a $100 million guaranteed, they sent a clear message to the NFL. The goal is to win, and win now.
That is what made it so strange when the Falcons drafter quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The move left analysts and experts scratching their heads with many struggling to see the logic behind the decision. Penix Jr. is 23 years old and has six years of college experience under his belt, making him one of the most prepared signal-callers to play in this league. There were plenty of needs for the Falcons on the defensive front but the organization instead chose to fortify their quarterback room.
In a recent piece on ESPN.com, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris reassured Kirk Cousins that he will be
“We came up with a decision, this is what we plan to do. And Kirk does not have to look over his shoulder every time he throws a bad pass,” said Morris.
The newly-appointed head coach insists the goal is to win and Cousins will take the helm when the season starts in September.
“So I know I’m going to have to tell you guys once or twice that that is not the case. Like, we are here to go win, and we are here to go win it all. We are here to win as much as we can win.”
Cousins has played 12 seasons in the NFL and started 145 games with the Washington Commanders and Minnesota Vikings. He has a 270 touchdowns over his career and recorded 110 interceptions.
Cousins will definitely be the man leading this franchise forward over the coming year but the pressure will be on him immediately to perform.
