The Atlanta Falcons have had one of the most confusing off-season in recent memory. After signing quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year $180 million contract, they decided to take Michael Penix Jr with their eighth overall pick.
Fans were quick to question the pick because pretty much everyone thought that the Falcons would bring in a receiver or defensive lineman to help out other parts of their roster that need more help than the quarterback position.
Finally, after fans have let it sink in, Terry Fontenot has explained the decisions he decided to make in the NFL draft, and still, no one can fathom his thoughts while making the Falcons draft selections.
As previously mentioned, the Falcons could have used a defensive back or even a defensive lineman, and both positions were available at the tenth overall pick. Atlanta never ended up taking a cornerback in the draft, and Fontenot’s quote is as baffling as anything, “We would have liked to add that position, but you don’t want to force a reach or do something you shouldn’t.”
Atlanta Falcons “Didn’t Want To Reach” In The NFL Draft
The part of the quote where Fontenot said, “Do something you shouldn’t,” really stands out, as the Falcons literally did just that by taking Penix in the first round, and they quite clearly shouldn’t have done that.
The only explanation given for the pick was that it was a “succession plan.” However, the Falcons needed other positions more than they needed a quarterback, and they could have added their next signal-caller in a later round or draft.
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Even though Cousins is 36 years old, he is still an MVP-caliber QB and is more than able to start for the team in 2024. Unless he gets injured, there is no reason the Falcons need to draft Penix Jr unless they were planning for an injury. In which case, why pay him $180 million over the next four years?
