Current:Home > Contact-usFalcons don't see quarterback controversy with Kirk Cousins, Michael Penix Jr. on board-LoTradeCoin
Falcons don't see quarterback controversy with Kirk Cousins, Michael Penix Jr. on board
View Date:2024-12-23 22:01:28
Falcons coach Raheem Morris insists there's no quarterback controversy in Atlanta, even though the team used the No. 8 overall pick in this year's NFL draft to take Washington's Michael Penix Jr. − just one month after signing veteran Kirk Cousins to a four-year free agent contract.
"We came up with a decision, this is what we plan to do. And Kirk does not have to look over his shoulder every time he throws a bad pass," Morris told reporters at the Falcons' post-draft press conference. "So I know I'm going to have to tell you guys once or twice that that is not the case."
Atlanta's selection of Penix was perhaps the biggest surprise of the entire draft, even catching Cousins off-guard.
Morris said he and general manager Terry Fontenot knew they would be criticized for taking Penix ahead of where most experts had him slotted, especially after just signing Cousins.
"I hate for it to be like the story of the draft. I know it will be. That's just how our world is based and is driven," said Morris, who was hired in February to succeed fired head coach Arthur Smith. "It's what people want to see; it's piqued more interest. What's (Travis) Kelce's girlfriend's name? I feel like her right now. I'm Taylor Swift and Terry is Kelce, I guess."
NFL DRAFT HUB: Latest NFL Draft mock drafts, news, live picks, grades and analysis.
However, Morris said it's important for the team to have a plan of "succession," considering Cousins is 35 years old and coming off a season-ending Achilles injury.
FALCONS' FULL DRAFT: Round-by-round selections, analysis of team's 2024 class
Though he was only informed about the decision to take Penix when the team was on the clock, Cousins still reached out to the rookie after the pick was announced.
"We had a very good conversation," Penix said Friday. "I’m going to keep (the conversation) just between me and him right now, but it was definitely a good conversation. I'm super excited to work with him and he said he’s the same with me."
veryGood! (9332)
Related
- When is 'The Golden Bachelorette' finale? Date, time, where to watch Joan Vassos' big decision
- The Daily Money: How much does guilt-tipping cost us?
- Horoscopes Today, May 7, 2024
- Report says Chiefs’ Rashee Rice suspected of assault weeks after arrest over high-speed crash
- 'Devastation is absolutely heartbreaking' from Southern California wildfire
- Horoscopes Today, May 7, 2024
- Report says Chiefs’ Rashee Rice suspected of assault weeks after arrest over high-speed crash
- Survivors of alleged abuse in Illinois youth detention facilities step forward
- See Chris Evans' Wife Alba Baptista Show Her Sweet Support at Red One Premiere
- Rep. Victoria Spartz projected to win Indiana Republican primary
Ranking
- 2 striking teacher unions in Massachusetts face growing fines for refusing to return to classroom
- Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here’s why they’re now named Scouting America
- Who won the Powerball drawing? $215 million jackpot winning ticket sold in Florida
- Why Prince Harry Won't Meet With King Charles During Visit to the U.K.
- Reese Witherspoon's Daughter Ava Phillippe Introduces Adorable New Family Member
- Woman who used Target self-checkout to steal more than $60,000 of items convicted of theft
- Starbucks rolling out new boba-style drinks with a fruity 'pearl' that 'pops in your mouth'
- When is the 2024 NFL schedule release? Expected date comes in new report
Recommendation
-
New Yorkers vent their feelings over the election and the Knicks via subway tunnel sticky notes
-
Harvey Weinstein is back at NYC’s Rikers Island jail after hospital stay
-
Ex-Packers returner Amari Rodgers vents about not getting Aaron Rodgers 'love' as rookie
-
Actor Ian Gelder, known as Kevan Lannister in 'Game of Thrones,' dies at 74
-
Kentucky gets early signature win at Champions Classic against Duke | Opinion
-
Semi-automatic gun ban nixed in Colorado’s Democratic-controlled statehouse after historic progress
-
Final Baltimore bridge collapse victim recovered river, police confirm
-
Russia plans tactical nuclear weapons drills near Ukraine border, citing provocative statements from NATO