The Atlanta Falcons caused a stir in the NFL community by selecting Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, a move seen by many as undermining current quarterback Kirk Cousins.
During Penix’s first press conference with the Falcons on Friday, he confirmed that he had already reached out to Cousins.
“Yes, he did reach out,” Penix revealed. “We had a very good conversation last night. It’s private for now, but I’m super excited to work with him. He expressed the same enthusiasm.”
NFL NEWS & RUMORS: Michael Penix Jr, Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons Updates
This development comes amid revelations from Cousins’ agent, Mike McCartney, who indicated to the NFL Network that the Falcons’ decision was unexpected.
“It was a big surprise. We had no idea this was coming,” McCartney stated. “The whole league was taken by surprise. We got no heads up. Kirk received a call from the Falcons only when they were about to make their draft pick.”
Despite the shock, the Falcons previously secured Cousins with a four-year, $180 million contract earlier this NFL offseason, signaling their intent to keep him as the starter for the foreseeable future.
NFL NEWS & RUMORS: Michael Penix Jr, Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons Updates
However, this new dynamic introduces the possibility of Penix competing for the starting position if he impresses during training camp, potentially reshaping the team’s quarterback strategy.
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