Falcons pull off stunner in 1st round of NFL Draft

Dec 27, 2010; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons helmet on the field before a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Falcons pulled off the first surprising move of Thursday’s NFL Draft.

The Falcons held the No. 8 overall pick and decided to use it on Michael Penix Jr. The pick was not just surprising because many mock drafts didn’t have Penix going in the top 10, but also because of whom the Falcons already have at the quarterback position.

Atlanta made one of the big moves of the offseason when they signed Kirk Cousins to a 4-year deal.

Cousins is 35 years old and coming off a torn Achilles’ tendon, but the team still has him signed through 2027. The length of Cousins’ contract overlaps with the amount of years the team will have Penix’s rights. Atlanta also will have a fifth-year option on Penix for 2028.

Atlanta reportedly wanted to have a succession plan at quarterback in place, which is why they took Penix.

From our NFL Draft Kickoff Show: Could the #Falcons take a QB? At least, they will consider a succession plan… pic.twitter.com/pqylM1q8Dq

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 25, 2024

It’s hard to imagine Atlanta will keep Cousins for the full length of his contract now that they have Penix. That means a veteran quarterback could be available on the market in a few years.

Did Cousins sign with the Falcons knowing they were thinking about taking a QB in the top 10?