The Falcons puzzled many when they drafted Michael Penix Jr. about a month after handing Kirk Cousins $180 million in free agency.
The general thought process was either the Falcons could spend gobs of cash and surround a quarterback on a rookie contract with as much talent as humanly possible or use the 8th overall pick on a possible franchise-altering player to help a veteran like Cousins.
In this scenario, the Falcons cannot maximize either contract. It’s impossible, which shrinks the margin of error considerably. However, if it works out how the Falcons intend, they won’t care. If all goes to plan, Atlanta will have stable quarterback play for the next 15 years.
With the additions of Justin Simmons and Matthew Judon, it feels a hell of a lot like the Falcons are going all-in around Cousins, but Penix’s presence alone makes “all-in” an impossibility. That’s not how Raheem Morris sees it. Atlanta’s head coach is essentially trying to have his cake and eat it too.
Is this #Falcons team ALL IN or planning for the FUTURE with their offseason moves??
HC Raheem Morris: "We have Kirk for however long Kirk gives us great football… and we're preparing Michael to take over for whenever that time comes."@heykayadams @AtlantaFalcons #RiseUp pic.twitter.com/ig2Da9qmqR
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) August 19, 2024
It’s a process that has never been tried before, but that doesn’t mean it can’t work. No, it’s not the same thing as the Chiefs drafting Patrick Mahomes with Alex Smith under contract or the Packers drafting Aaron Rodgers or Jordan Love.
In one offseason, the Falcons tried to fix everything, both in the short and long term. It’s a narrow path to success, but if they get there, nothing else will matter.
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Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire
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