How will Atlanta approach the quarterback position during camp and the preseason?

The management of the Atlanta Falcons’ quarterbacks this preseason will be scrutinized. Drafting Micheal Penix Jr. 8th overall with Kirk Cousins ​​on the roster is drawing league-wide attention and speculation about how the quarterback position will be handled.

While some hot shows and those from outside Atlanta may already have Penix Jr. winning the job in 2024, that’s far from the case. Money is what runs the league and looking at contracts, Kirk Cousins ​​will be the starter for this team regardless of the level of play in camp and preseason.

Only two things can change this fact: Cousins ​​gets injured or turns into Desmond Ridder overnight. Barring either of those developments, this is Cousins’ team and the preseason snaps are going to reflect that.

This is not to say that there is no way Penix will win the job in the next two seasons, but rather to highlight the reality of the situation. You’re going to incur a horrible cap penalty the next two seasons if you move on from Kirk Cousins ​​and start Penix Jr.

This leaves you with the obvious decision to adopt Cousins ​​and hope his level of play continues over the next couple of years while you fully evaluate Michael Penix Jr. and allow the rookie to adjust to the league. It’s not the ideal use of an expensive rookie contract, but given the situation they currently find themselves in, it’s the only sensible conclusion.

Micheal Penix Jr. will often be called upon by frustrated fans, whenever Cousins ​​misses a throw or turns the ball over. What the front office understands, but some fans don’t, is the fact that once you’re on the bench, there’s no going back to Kirk Cousins.

If you make the wrong call and Penix isn’t ready or an upgrade over veteran jobs will be lost. This is true whether Atlanta makes this call in year one or three at quarterback. They have opened themselves up to criticism and lost job security depending on how this plays out.

Kirk Cousins ​​​​is the starter for this team heading into camp and preseason and nothing done in meaningless drills or practice games will change that. It will take an injury or unreal retirement from Cousins ​​for Michael Penix Jr. to get his chance.