Michael Penix

Falcons signed No. 8 overall pick Michael Penix Jr. to a four-year, $22.88 million contract.

Per Jordan Schultz, the deal includes a $13.46 million signing bonus. The Falcons shocked fans, and starting QB Kirk Cousins alike, by selecting Penix with the No. 8 overall pick. An NFL-ready passer, Penix’s 90.5 PFF passing grade, 7.3% big-time-throw rate and 10.7-yard average depth of target rank top-six among 35 Power Five quarterbacks with at least 370 dropbacks in 2023. Penix is equipped to run the offense, should complications arise during Cousins’ rehabilitation from an Achilles tendon rupture, suffered by his right plant-foot.