The number of unsigned rookie players decreased on Friday. The Falcons have finalized a deal with their first-round selection. Michael Penix Jr. has officially signed his four-year rookie contract, according to a tweet from Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz.
As of now, Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels are the only remaining quarterbacks from this class who have not signed. Penix’s contract includes a fifth-year option and is fully guaranteed. The Falcons have until May 2027 to decide on exercising this option, giving them limited time to evaluate the situation.
[RELATED: Prospect Profile: Michael Penix Jr.]
Despite signing Kirk Cousins to a substantial contract earlier in the year, Atlanta surprised many by selecting Penix in the first round. Cousins was reportedly taken aback by the decision, as it defied common NFL drafting practices. The Falcons’ owner, Arthur Blank, played a significant role in the selection process, with Joel Collier from the scouting staff being instrumental in identifying Penix as a top prospect. When asked about the scenario, Cousins refrained from speculating on what could have been.
During the offseason program, Penix received reps with the second and third teams. While Taylor Heinicke saw more action than Penix during OTAs and minicamp, Penix is expected to be the primary backup to Cousins when the regular season begins. Heinicke, who served as a backup quarterback last season, agreed to a pay cut to remain with the Falcons.
Cousins is currently recovering from surgery and should be ready for training camp. For now, Cousins is the confirmed starter for the Falcons, but there are already discussions about the possibility of trading him after one season. The Falcons would face significant financial implications if they were to move on from Cousins before 2026.
Despite Penix’s young age, he is set to spend time developing behind Cousins. His impressive performance in the 2023 season, where he led in passing yards in Division I-FBS, has raised expectations for his future. Some concerns have been raised about his injury history and mechanics, but coaches have shown confidence in his abilities.
There were speculations about the Raiders selecting Penix, but they opted for a different approach. Penix’s situation is unique, as he may not see significant playing time until later in his career. It will be interesting to see how his development progresses during his time in Atlanta alongside Cousins.
