NFL Execs, Falcons fans on same page questioning Atlanta’s 'plan'

Falcons fans were left scratching their heads when the team drafted Michael Penix Jr.

To say it was surprising would be an understatement. The move has been met with widespread criticism, but it has nothing to do with the prospect. Penix has an absolute rocket and can spin the rock like some of the best throwers in the league today.

Where the issues begin is the Falcons’ process this offseason. Giving Kirk Cousins $180 million in free agency less than two months before using their top draft pick on his successor is where the disapproval takes root.

Falcons fans and NFL executives alike are wondering if this organization even has a plan, or if are they just making it up as they go.

The Athletic’s Dianna Russini has had a difficult time finding front office decision makers around the league who understand what the Falcons’ actual plan was heading into the draft.

“Some even question their overall vision, considering most teams know by February if they are drafting a QB with their first pick. That was before free agency … and before the Falcons signed Kirk Cousins,” Russini added.

This is exactly what most Falcons fans are wondering. If you were so infatuated with Penix, why did you pursue Cousins?

Outside of Caleb Williams, many consider Penix to be one of the most pro-ready quarterback prospects. He’s started a boatload of games and is on the older side among his class.

The Falcons are going to sit him for multiple years, which is fine, except that it’s going to prevent them from maximizing Cousins’ deal as well as Penix’s rookie contract.

If the Falcons had conviction about Michael Penix the prospect, signing Kirk Cousins the free agent makes no sense. Now, you might be asking yourself at this point, “Well, there’s no guarantee that Penix would’ve been there at No. 8, right?”

To a certain extent, you’d be right. However, there was a consensus among draft pundits that Michael Penix would go somewhere between the Falcons’ No. 8 pick and the Raiders’ No. 13 pick.

It just seems like the Falcons are making it up as they go, and that notion was only reinforced when Terry Fontenot’s peers questioned his process.