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 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.
During the Falcons’ pre-draft press conference, General Manager Terry Fontenot praised quarterback Kirk Cousins’ positive influence on the team within the first few weeks of the offseason program. Fontenot described Cousins as a ‘multiplier’ both on and off the field, citing his exceptional work ethic and dedication to the game.
The NFL has concluded its investigation into potential tampering by the Atlanta Falcons in their pursuit of quarterback Kirk Cousins and has found no evidence of wrongdoing. As a result, the Falcons will not face any penalties, including the loss of draft picks. General Manager Terry Fontenot expressed the team’s commitment to fully cooperating with the league’s investigation and emphasized that the Falcons will continue to focus on their preparations for the upcoming NFL Draft.
The NFL is conducting ongoing reviews into potential tampering during the recent transactions of the Falcons and Eagles. Information gathering regarding the acquisitions of Kirk Cousins and Saquan Barkley continues, and any potential discipline will not involve 2024 draft picks. However, future draft selections could be impacted. The league has previously adjusted draft pick rights based on tampering findings, and a third-round pick could potentially be at stake.
The NFL has a history of punishing teams for tampering with players and coaches. The most recent case involved the Arizona Cardinals, who swapped draft picks with the Philadelphia Eagles for tampering with defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon. The Dolphins previously lost a first-round pick for tampering with Sean Payton and Tom Brady. In 2016, the Chiefs lost a third-round pick for communicating with Jeremy Maclin during the negotiating window. The potential punishment for the Falcons depends on the extent of their violations. Kirk Cousins reportedly spoke to the team’s head athletic trainer and director of player personnel during the negotiating window, which is prohibited. Tight end Kyle Pitts may have also recruited Cousins at the direction of the Falcons. If the Falcons are found to have violated multiple rules, they could face a more severe punishment than the typical third-round pick penalty.
