Falcons legend Michael Vick defends odd Michael Penix Jr., Kirk Cousins situation

Atlanta Falcons legend Michael Vick supports his former club making quarterback Michael Penix Jr. the eighth pick of the 2024 NFL Draft even though Atlanta signed veteran Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180M contract that included $100M guaranteed in free agency. 

"I think it’s the right move for the future," Vick recently told Ryan Morik of Fox News Digital. "It’s not a rush to get Michael Penix out on the field. At some point, he’ll be ready. But right now, you got a good quarterback in Kirk Cousins who can move the chains and give you a chance to win every Sunday, Monday and Thursday. I think that’s all you can ask for. But it was very strategic by the Falcons and very smart."

Acquiring Cousins, who turns 36 years old in August, was a "win-now" move for any team, which is why many analysts were stunned when the Falcons didn't use the No. 8 choice of this year's draft to build around the four-time Pro Bowl selection who is coming off a torn right Achilles he suffered in October. By all accounts, Cousins has handled what could have been an awkward situation like a true professional en route to winning over his new teammates.

As of Thursday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Falcons as the betting favorites at -115 odds to win the NFC South division title for the 2024 season. One can only wonder what those odds would've been ahead of summer had Atlanta spent the Penix pick on an offensive play-maker or a pass-rusher.

"To be able to get to know Michael Penix, he’s super cool," Vick said about the fellow southpaw. "Us having that lefty connection is very cool. We’ve just talked about what’s to come, how to be prepared. That’s the most important thing for him, right now, learning how to be the ultimate teammate and consummate pro."

Some have speculated that Penix could replace Cousins atop Atlanta's depth chart as soon as next offseason, as the rookie will turn 25 years old in May 2025 and should want to play sooner rather than later. Then again, Penix's services may be needed as soon as this September if Cousins experiences any type of setback as he prepares to start the Falcons' Week 1 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.