The Atlanta Falcons sent a shockwave through the NFL world with their first selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. The team selected former Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth pick in the draft, even though they signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a massive deal this offseason. In a newly surfaced video, Falcons owner Arthur Blank did not look happy with the pick made by General Manager Terry Fontenot.
Atlanta Falcons Owner Disappointed With Draft Selection
While Penix Jr. is one of the top quarterbacks in the draft, nobody saw him going to Atlanta, especially after they signed Cousins to a huge contract during free agency this offseason. In the video, you can see what looks like Fontenot explaining to Blank why they selected a quarterback with their pick, and the Falcons owner did not look pleased with the decision.
#Falcons GM Terry Fontenot talking with team Owner Arthur Blank after the Penix selection.
pic.twitter.com/VlLZCV2Tqj— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) April 26, 2024
In the video, Fontenot looks like he is explaining to Blank why he decided to draft another quarterback even with Cousins on the roster, and the Falcons owner looks like he is trying to understand why they did not go with another position, especially with a great pick selection in the draft.
NFL Fans React
Many NFL fans took to social media to react to the shocking pick made by Atlanta, saying that the staff has no idea what they are doing. While fans tried to wrap their head around the selection, Cousins was reportedly not made aware of the decision either, and was just as shocked as all the fans and analysts keeping up with the draft.
Atlanta Falcons fans are going through it after drafting Michael Penix Jrpic.twitter.com/XNiGi6tkyE
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) April 26, 2024
INSTANT REACTION: I am truly dumbfounded. @AtlantaFalcons @929TheGame @929MorningShift pic.twitter.com/MmoUTSeOUl
— Mike Johnson (@MPJohnson79) April 26, 2024
Don't even care what happens in the next six rounds.
Atlanta Falcons
Draft Grade: F— Scott Barrett (@ScottBarrettDFB) April 26, 2024
Kirk Cousins Reaction
Here is the reaction of Cousins’ camp:
🚨🚨🚨BREAKING NEWS🚨🚨🚨
Kirk Cousins and his camp are
FRUSTRATED and confused by the #Falcons picking Michael Penix Jr, as they didn't use that pick to help the team in 2024, per ESPNThey are unhappy that they picked Kirk’s replacement before he ever played a snap there😳 pic.twitter.com/xXmsOpOcq5
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) April 26, 2024
Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract this offseason, which many believed to solidify him as the Falcons’ starter for years to come. However, with the selection of Penix Jr., who knows what is in store shortly in Atlanta regarding the quarterback position? Do you think that the Falcons should have drafted a non-quarterback, and what will this mean for the future of Kirk Cousins?
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