Penix: I had 'very good conversation' with Cousins

Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. said Friday that he cleared things up with Kirk Cousins, who was reportedly "shocked" that Atlanta used its top-10 pick this year on the left-handed signal-caller.

"We had a very good conversation," Penix said during his first press conference with the Falcons. "I'm super excited to work with him, and he said he's the same with me."

Penix said that Cousins reached out to him after Round 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft.

The Falcons signed Cousins - the top free-agent quarterback in 2024 - to a four-year, $180-million contract this offseason. With Cousins in town, Atlanta was expected to use the No. 8 overall pick to add a new offensive weapon or blue-chip talent to its defense. Instead, the NFC South club made the most stunning pick of this year's draft by taking Penix, who was considered the fourth- or fifth-best QB prospect of his class.

Cousins' agent, Mike McCartney, said afterward they "had no idea this was coming."

Penix said he's grateful for the opportunity to join Cousins in Atlanta.

"I'm super blessed to be able to be in a room with him and to be able to work with him and learn from him," he added.

Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowler, sustained an Achilles injury last year but is expected to be ready for Week 1 in 2024.

"You never know when your number is called, but you gotta be ready," Penix said. "I'm gonna do whatever I can to be ready from Day 1."

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris - who was hired this offseason to replace Arthur Smith - said Friday that Atlanta referred to "the Green Bay model" before taking Penix. The Packers drafted Jordan Love in the first round of the 2020 draft despite still rostering Aaron Rodgers and having holes on their roster. Love stood out last season while replacing Rodgers, whom Green Bay traded to the New York Jets during the 2023 offseason.