The Atlanta Falcons stunned the NFL world by drafting Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, leaving Kirk Cousins, who signed a lucrative contract with the team in free agency, in the dark. Cousins’ agent, Mike McCartney, revealed that the veteran quarterback had no prior knowledge of the Falcons’ plans to select Penix Jr., expressing surprise at the unexpected move.
The Atlanta Falcons made a surprising move in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, selecting former Washington quarterback Anthony Richardson at No. 8 overall. The pick raised eyebrows as the Falcons already have veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins on their roster. However, multiple teams, including the Indianapolis Colts, Las Vegas Raiders, and New Orleans Saints, reportedly attempted to trade into the top 10 to acquire Richardson.
The Atlanta Falcons have signed Kirk Cousins as their franchise quarterback but also drafted Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, raising questions about their succession plan. While the Packers’ success with Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love serves as an example, the Falcons’ situation is different. Rodgers and Love were both late first-round picks, while Penix Jr. was selected eighth overall just months after Cousins received a four-year, $180 million contract. This allocation of resources seems excessive, especially considering Penix Jr. will be 28 when Cousins’ contract expires.
The Atlanta Falcons’ selection of Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the NFL draft has sent shockwaves through the league, with quarterback Kirk Cousins reportedly surprised and stunned. The Falcons had recently signed Cousins to a lucrative contract, making his replacement in the first round an unexpected move.
The Atlanta Falcons’ selection of Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft has raised eyebrows. Despite signing Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal just months prior, the Falcons’ move appears to be a long-term strategy aimed at developing a succession plan. However, the heavy investment in the quarterback position has drawn criticism given the team’s other pressing needs.
The Atlanta Falcons’ selection of Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft has raised eyebrows. Despite signing Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal just months prior, the Falcons’ move appears to be a long-term strategy aimed at developing a succession plan. However, the heavy investment in the quarterback position has drawn criticism given the team’s other pressing needs.
The NFL has announced that the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles will retain all draft picks in this year’s event despite ongoing investigations into alleged tampering by both teams. The teams are under scrutiny for their signings of free agents Kirk Cousins and Saquon Barkley.
With quarterback concerns alleviated by the signing of Kirk Cousins, the Atlanta Falcons now turn their attention to the NFL Draft, where they hold the No. 8 overall pick. Fox Sports’ David Helman advocates for the selection of University of Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner, citing the team’s dire need for a pass rusher. Turner’s impressive 2023 campaign, with 53 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks, makes him a prime candidate to address this key area of weakness for the Falcons. Despite a slight dip in his sophomore year, Turner has consistently demonstrated his potential and would be an exciting addition to the Atlanta defense.
The Atlanta Falcons have struggled mightily to find a reliable sack artist for over a decade, but a recent trade request from Cincinnati Bengals star Trey Hendrickson could provide a solution. Hendrickson, a three-time Pro-Bowler and reigning sack leader with 17.5 in 2023, has requested a trade due to lack of financial commitment from the Bengals. The Falcons, who possess a glaring need for an EDGE rusher, would be wise to pursue Hendrickson aggressively. The 29-year-old former Saint has ties to Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot, who played a role in drafting him to New Orleans in 2017. With their ample draft picks and healthy salary cap situation, the Falcons could easily swing a deal for Hendrickson and grant him the contract extension he seeks. Acquiring Hendrickson would be a major coup for the Falcons, giving them a proven commodity at their biggest position of need.
The 2024 NFL Draft is quickly approaching, and it’s shaping up to be a wild one. While it’s impossible to predict the future with certainty, here’s our best guess at how the first round will play out, based on the latest rumors, speculation, and analysis.
