The process of establishing a solid succession plan for quarterbacks remains one of the greatest challenges for NFL teams, as exemplified by the Atlanta Falcons. At the 2024 NFL Draft, the Falcons made a striking move by selecting former Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. as the No. 8 overall pick, surprising many, especially after recently signing veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a lucrative four-year, $180 million deal. Team management defended this decision as a precautionary step to avoid being stuck in “quarterback purgatory.”
Initially, the strategy seemed clear: Penix, just 24 years old, would gain valuable experience under Cousins’ mentorship before stepping into the starting role in the future. However, just eight months into Cousins’ new contract and with the possibility of a playoff return looming for the Falcons, the team is already turning the page. Following a series of disappointing performances from Cousins, Atlanta has opted to bench him, giving Penix his first career start against the New York Giants this Sunday.
Former NFL super-agent Leigh Steinberg remarked on the gravity of the situation, suggesting that this was likely a painful decision for the coaching staff and front office. This abrupt shift could destabilize the quarterback scenario for the Falcons, who must still pay Cousins a guaranteed $27.5 million next season, regardless of how the remainder of this season unfolds. Should the Falcons decide to cut or trade him, they would still face a significant dead cap hit that could hinder their ability to build the roster through 2026.
Despite the intricacies involved in quarterback planning, the Green Bay Packers have exhibited a successful model where continuity and stability at the position are concerned. With Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers leading the team for over two decades, the franchise was able to seamlessly transition to current starter Jordan Love, who has demonstrated promise and has recently signed a lucrative four-year, $220 million deal.
The Falcons’ situation is indicative of the broader struggles NFL teams face in maintaining a smooth quarterback succession. Many franchises, like the Jets, Raiders, and Colts, are also navigating their own challenges in finding a long-term solution under center. In the wake of trading former star quarterback Matt Ryan in 2022 and with Cousins underperforming, Atlanta’s offseason decisions may have been miscalibrated.
Nonetheless, there is hope for the Falcons in Michael Penix. Despite limited preseason action, Penix, known for his dynamic play during his college career—and after finishing second in Heisman Trophy voting with nearly 5,000 passing yards—could rise to the occasion. While the future remains uncertain, the transition from Cousins to Penix, while premature, represents a chance for rejuvenation within the franchise, creating optimism among fans.
As the Falcons embark on this new chapter in their quarterback journey, they signal a shift in focus that reflects the pressures many franchises face with guaranteed contracts and the urgency to win. The upcoming game against the Giants will provide Penix an invaluable opportunity to showcase his abilities and potentially solidify his place as the new face of the Falcons moving forward.