No team gave as big a shocker as the Atlanta Falcons in the 2024 Draft. When Kirk Cousins joined the franchise with a mammoth four-year contract worth $180 million, everyone expected the team to get the veteran quarterback some support in the offense. But to everyone’s surprise, Atlanta drafted Michael Penix Jr. with their No.8 pick.

While the Washington rookie is undoubtedly one of the top collegiate quarterbacks of this year’s draft, the team decided to pick him to sit behind Cousins, which turned heads. While the former Vikings star is set to return from his Achilles injury as the starter, the rookie’s draft certainly posed many questions; an ex-Chiefs quarterback doesn’t seem to be shocked at the news.

Michael Penix Jr.’s draft compared to Patrick Mahomes’

The 23-year-old Huskies QB has had one former NFL star constantly championing him in the weeks leading up to the draft. Warren Moon was asked if he was happy about the situation, and the constant supporter of the young rookie replied with a prompt, “I am,” on the Up & Adams Show. Moon said that the decision wasn’t particularly shocking to him and he felt that no “young guy should have to come in and play right away.” The former Chiefs QB further used Patrick Mahomes‘ example to explain his stance.

The three-time MVP spent his first season as the backup to Alex Smith, and it was only next year that he became the starter. Similar was the case with Aaron Rodgers, who remained the backup to Brett Favre for three years. “Even Patrick Mahomes didn’t play his first year, and I think he really benefitted from being behind Alex Smith,” said Moon. “A lot of people wondered why, with an Alex Smith, you -draft Patrick Mahomes or why do you draft Aaron Rodgers when you have Brett Favre.” 

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The former QB further pointed out how Cousins has the age and injury factor looming over him, so it makes sense to keep a safety option. “They’re going with the same formula that you got to have a quarterback in waiting, especially when your quarterback that’s starting is 36 years old and coming off of an Achilles tendon injury.” While Moon clearly supports the Falcons’ move, there was a lot of confusion when the decision dropped, not just among fans but also from their starter quarterback.

Penix’s draft was a “big surprise” to Kirk Cousins

While nobody really doubted Penix to be one of the top five quarterbacks to get picked, it was the combination with Cousins’ humongous contract that left everyone scratching their heads. Fans and analysts questioned the decision on social media, pointing out how the rookie would have to wait at least one or two seasons to even try for the starter position. It seems like it wasn’t just the avid NFL followers who were taken by surprise, but also the man of the matter himself!

Cousins’ agent, Mike McCartney, posted a cryptic message on X reading, “Bout to be shocked.” This post was made just moments before the draft and barely some time after the veteran got a call from his team about their impending decision to draft another QB. “It was a big surprise. We had no idea this was coming,” McCartney revealed, as per NFL Network. “The truth is the whole league had no idea this was coming. We got no heads up. Kirk got a call from the Falcons when they were on the clock. That was the first we heard. It never came up in any conversation.” Cousins himself is yet to open up about the matter.

While fans, analysts, and reporters discuss Atlanta’s unexpected draft decision, Michael Penix Jr. seems excited to be backing up Kirk Cousins next season. And if Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers’ examples are anything to go by, we might get to see the young rookie play center stage sooner than expected!