The 2024 NFL Draft surprised many when the Atlanta Falcons selected quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8, despite having recently signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal.
Team executives were puzzled by the move. "I'd love to know what the conversations were in Atlanta leading up to that and why there was no adult supervision," said an anonymous former general manager.
Another executive suggested the decision reflected the team's lack of a strong front office. "Remember, they chose Raheem Morris instead of Bill Belichick because he would not push back against the front office," the executive said.
Cousins' agent confirmed that the team informed him of their intention to draft Penix during the draft. However, Cousins was shocked that the team selected a quarterback in the first round.
One executive attributed the issue not to Penix's talent but to the team's confusing philosophy. "I like Penix, but if you're going to draft him, why not have taken Justin Fields from Chicago or signed Russell Wilson and then drafted Penix?" the executive said. "They would have been much better off investing their money elsewhere."