When Kirk Cousins signed a four-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons, it came with the expectation that he would be a starting quarterback for the duration. So it came as a surprise when the Falcons drafted former Washington star Michael Penix Jr.

A lot is riding on the success of second year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. after the Atlanta Falcons went all-in on him for 2025.

The Atlanta Falcons confused many around the NFL when they added two potential starting quarterbacks during the 2024 offseason. After signing Kirk Cousins to a lucrative four-year, $180 million contract, the team drafted Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.