Chad Johnson supports the selection of Penix Jr. amid rumors involving Kirk Cousins and the Falcons, stating that it’s simply a matter of “common sense.”
The Atlanta Falcons have garnered support from at least one notable NFL figure who believes they made the right decision by selecting Michael Penix Jr. in last month’s NFL draft.
Chad Johnson described the selection as “common sense” while acknowledging that Kirk Cousins might feel somewhat uneasy about it. Johnson emphasized that drafting a quarterback at No. 8 typically implies a challenge to the incumbent’s position, but he viewed Penix learning from a seasoned veteran like Cousins as a positive move. Johnson noted that Cousins understands his tenure as the starter may be drawing to a close.
The Falcons’ decision to pick Penix came as a surprise to many, particularly given that they had recently signed Cousins to a lucrative four-year, $180 million contract. Cousins’ agent, Mike McCartney, revealed that they had no prior knowledge of the Falcons’ intentions, and the pick caught them off guard. McCartney expressed that they had anticipated the Falcons selecting a player who could contribute immediately to the team’s success.
Despite the unexpected turn of events, Penix disclosed that Cousins reached out to him after the draft to offer his support. Penix indicated that they had a positive conversation and expressed excitement about working together in the future.
While it remains unclear how the Falcons persuaded Cousins to leave Minnesota for Atlanta, it’s likely that the prospect of contending for a Super Bowl played a significant role. Although drafting Penix may have seemed contrary to a win-now approach, if he develops into a star player in the next few years, the decision will likely be viewed favorably in hindsight.
