Falcons sign 2024 first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. to rookie contract

The Atlanta Falcons have signed quarterback Michael Penix Jr. to his rookie deal, the team announced on Monday afternoon.  Penix Jr. was the Falcons' No. 8 overall pick out of Washington in the 2024 NFL Draft.  Per OverTheCap.com, Penix Jr.'s deal is worth $22.8 million and will carry cap hits of $4.16 million in 2024 and $7.2 […]

Kelsey Kramer — College Football & NFL Trending News Writer
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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr (9) passes the ball during Rookie Minicamp at the Falcons Training Camp.
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Falcons have signed quarterback Michael Penix Jr. to his rookie deal, the team announced on Monday afternoon. 

Penix Jr. was the Falcons' No. 8 overall pick out of Washington in the 2024 NFL Draft. 

Per OverTheCap.com, Penix Jr.'s deal is worth $22.8 million and will carry cap hits of $4.16 million in 2024 and $7.2 million in 2027.

Penix, a Heisman runner-up last year, makes the jump to the NFL level after throwing for 9,544 yards, 67 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions while completing 65% of his passes in two seasons with the Huskies. 

At first, the Falcons selecting Penix Jr. with their first-round pick was a shocking move since the club had already signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal with $100 million guaranteed.

But after letting the dust settle, it all makes sense. 

The Falcons did not want to put themselves in the same position that they were in after Matt Ryan's time was up and they had nobody else to turn to. Now, they have a plan. 

“At some point, you’ve got to find a way to have that succession plan in place,” Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said on draft night. “It just so happened it presented itself tonight.”

Penix Jr. will spend at least the next two years learning from one of the best in the league, and by the time his number is called, he will be more ready to take over the reins as the Falcons' starter. 

Until then, he will continue to prove himself. 

"I feel like at this level in the NFL everybody is in the spotlight,” Penix said. “You’ve got to prove yourself each and every day. … It’s something I’ve been dreaming of since I was a kid. And now that I’m here, I just want to continue to prove myself each and every day and show not just myself but the team that I’m here to work and here to help this team win football games any way that I can.”

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