Adam Schefter says what all Falcons fans are thinking about Michael Penix

I couldn’t disagree more with Schefter’s first point. If the Falcons wanted Penix that badly, there should have been no thoughts about moving back, especially if they only could have acquired a late-round pick. All that does is allow another team to potentially swoop in and steal your guy. Sure, it seems unlikely in hindsight that the Bears would have traded the 9th pick, but why even take that risk?

For example, the Jets glaring needs going into the draft were wide receiver and left tackle. Had the Falcons made a trade with the Jets to move back in the draft, and New York took Rome Odunze, who is to say the Bears wouldn’t have been open for business with the ninth pick, potentially trading it to a quarterback-needy team that could have taken Michael Penix right in front of the Falcons.

You don’t take that risk in any scenario if Penix is your guy. However, Schefter’s second point is what everybody is going to be talking about for a long time. If the Falcons were that enamored with Penix, who most believed would be available when they came on the clock, why did they pay Kirk Cousins $180 million?

The most logical conclusion is the Falcons hedged their bets. They believe in Penix but not enough to risk their jobs, which is why they went out and signed Kirk Cousins as well. The combination should keep the Falcons from experiencing the dreaded QB purgatory for a long time, but it’s difficult enough to win a Super Bowl when going all in. It’s even more challenging when one foot is already out the door.