The Atlanta Falcons surprised the NFL on Thursday night by selecting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick in the NFL Draft, just weeks after signing Kirk Cousins to a blockbuster contract.
Ross Tucker, former NFL player and CBS analyst, “The Dan Patrick Show” They ripped off the Falcons on Friday and acquired the pick. He criticized the nomination as “selfish” and “disrespectful”.
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Atlanta Falcons first-round draft pick quarterback Michael Penix Jr. speaks during a press conference on Friday, April 26, 2024, in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
“In my experience, when you’re in doubt in the NFL, you should ask the decision makers to make the decision that they believe is best for their job security and job retention,” Tucker explained. “And I think at some point Falcons GM Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris were talking and they realized, ‘If we have Kirk, we’re probably going to be pretty good for the next few years. We’re going to go.” Cousins, the NFC South isn’t that great of a team. We’re going to be on a team, maybe win the division, maybe make the playoffs.
“But if you get a player like Penix now, you have a succession plan in place for year three, maybe year four.” Arthur Blank says Penix won’t fire them within at least a year. Even two to the point of being deaf. ”
Tucker added that he believes the Falcons’ team “bought themselves a four-year runway” to try out what they can do.
Atlanta Falcons first-round draft pick quarterback Michael Penix Jr. holds a Falcons jersey during a press conference on Friday, April 26, 2024, in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
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“I think it’s selfish, I think it’s from a former player’s perspective, and I think it’s extremely disrespectful,” he added. “I think this is one of the worst moves I’ve seen in a long time. … I think this is a selfish move by the GM and head coach. That’s my interpretation from a player’s perspective. ”
Cousins was reportedly informed of this at the time of his appointment.
Penix said late Friday that he was contacted by Cousins and Falcons legend Michael Vick after the selection.
He added that he feels comfortable working behind Cousins.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins speaks during a press conference Wednesday, March 13, 2024, in Flowery Branch, Georgia. Cousins has won one playoff game in his long career. The Falcons are betting at least $100 million on a man who can lead them to their first Super Bowl championship in franchise history. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
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“I know it’s going to be a huge effort every time I step on that field to make sure I don’t miss a beat,” he said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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