The Falcons signed Kirk Cousins to a $180 million free agent contract six weeks ago. Last Thursday, they also drafted his successor, taking Michael Penix Jr. 8th overall.

It was a peculiar decision and frankly an unprecedented move. If Atlanta can navigate the complex dynamic in the coming years, the Falcons could really go the next 15 years with stable quarterback play. It’s what every NFL franchise strives for.

However, there are more scenarios where it doesn’t work out. That doesn’t mean it’s a bad situation for Penix or Cousins. In fact, I could argue that no prospect would’ve put the team over the top in the immediate with Cousins under center.

In that same breath, Penix gets the chance to sit behind one of the better quarterbacks in the league to learn from. I actually did a piece that the Falcons are one of the best landing spots for a rookie quarterback, but that’s not how ESPN’s Jordan Reid sees it.

What is the most questionable QB landing spot?

Reid: Michael Penix Jr. to the Falcons (No. 8). Matt touched on this earlier, but drafting a QB at No. 8 was the first huge shocker of the draft. Giving Cousins $100 million guaranteed didn’t stop the Falcons from this move, a very confusing pick. It makes for an interesting dynamic.

Drake Maye has a first-time head coach in Jerod Mayo, who has a defensive background, no real supporting cast on the offense, and a coordinator who is unproven.

Bo Nix doesn’t have great weapons either and will have to prove that he’s the answer immediately. Fortunately, he’s got Sean Payton in his corner. That bodes well for the Oregon and Auburn product.

Jayden Daniels’ situation in Washington isn’t great either. There are legitimate questions that need to be answered about the Commanders’ offensive line and Kliff Kingsbury.

Caleb Williams is not landing in a typical 1st overall pick situation because the Bears actually owned the 9th overall pick. They weren’t the worst team in the league. Williams has a ton of weapons, but I have concerns about Shane Waldron and the offensive line.

J.J. McCarthy landed in the best situation. The Vikings have a solid offensive line, Kevin O’Connell, and a star-studded skill group, headlined by the best wideout in the league.

Penix, on the other hand, will get to sit and learn behind Cousins. The trio of top 10 picks and a solid offensive line are working in his favor as well as a highly regarded coordinator in Zac Robinson.

The Falcons may not be the best landing spot, but they’re certainly closer to the best than the worst.

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