The Atlanta Falcons’ recent moves at quarterback have drawn comparisons to the Green Bay Packers’ successful succession plans with Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love. However, there are key differences that make the Falcons’ approach questionable.
The Packers selected Rodgers with the 24th overall pick in 2005 and Love with the 26th overall pick in 2020, both in the late first round. In contrast, the Falcons used the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to select Michael Penix Jr., just months after signing Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract with nearly $100 million guaranteed.
This allocation of resources seems excessive, especially considering Penix Jr. will be 28 when Cousins’ contract ends. It’s unclear how the Falcons plan to manage two high-priced quarterbacks on their roster for an extended period.
Additionally, Cousins is not a future Hall of Famer like Brett Favre, from whom Rodgers learned. Cousins is a solid quarterback but lacks the same level of experience and leadership qualities as Favre.
The Falcons’ quarterback situation raises questions about their long-term strategy. While having a succession plan is important, the use of such a high draft pick on a quarterback so soon after signing another veteran quarterback seems like a waste of valuable resources.
