The Atlanta Falcons decision to draft quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the no. 8 pick after signing Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal this offseason was baffling. Top 10 picks are a premium in the NFL draft and the Falcons were apparently keen on acquiring another one after selecting their quarterback of the future.
According to a recent piece from Pro Football Report, the Falcons attempted a last minute trade to acquire the New York Jets no. 10 pick to go along with their no. 8 pick. In a video posted by the Jets online, New York’s GM Joe Douglas is heard saying the Falcons were interested in trading for the Jets first-round pick.
“They are definitely picking. And they want to come back up. So they want 8 and 10,” said Douglas.
Falcons talked to Jets about trading for No. 10 pick after drafting Michael Penix. https://t.co/Mhb7iuAK5b
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) May 1, 2024
The aggressive approach from the Falcons makes sense considering it has been seven seasons since the franchise last made the playoffs. The team finished with a 7-10 record last year and after an active offseason, will be looking to improve. They have plenty of top tier talent on the offense with stars like Drake London, Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts all returning next season.
The Falcons have still need to address certain areas of the defense before the 2024 season and will be in the market to improve the roster. It will be interesting to see if the organization looks to make some trades, or dip into the free agent market before the upcoming season.
