After a disappointing 2023 season where they finished 7-10, the Atlanta Falcons have totally revamped their quarterback room.
The headline signing of the offseason was four-time Pro Bowl quarterback Kirk Cousins who joined the franchise on a colossal four-year deal worth $180 million. The management seemed to think that was not enough and used the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to compliment the veteran signal-caller with Michael Penix Jr. It appears the organization is not quite done adding quarterbacks with Atlanta keen to add some more depth before the 2024 season.
On Tuesday, NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that the Falcons put in a waiver claim for former Jacksonville and New England Patriots quarterback Nathan Rourke.
The Atlanta Falcons — who signed QB Kirk Cousins during free agency and then selected QB Michael Penix during the draft — put in a waiver claim this week for former Patriots and Jaguars QB Nathan Rourke, who was awarded to the New York Giants, per source. pic.twitter.com/vyi7hAz9w0
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 8, 2024
Unfortunately for Atlanta, they missed out on the 25-year-old Canadian professional as the New York Giants were higher up on the waiver priority.
Signing both Cousins and Penix Jr. less than 45 days apart had many NFL experts scratching their heads. The decision to use their top draft pick on a quarterback after signing one to a massive contract was puzzling. While Cousins is the firm favorite to start the season, it will be interesting to see how the coaches utilize Penix Jr. who was considered one of the top players in this year’s draft class.
The Falcons still have Taylor Heinicke on their roster as a third string option but will likely dip back in to the market for another strong arm before the season starts.
