Michael Penix Jr. is selected eighth overall by Atlanta Falcons in 2024 NFL Draft stunner… as he joins $180million passer Kirk Cousins in QB room

By James On Apr 26, 2024

By Jake Nisse

Published: 9:09 PM EDT, April 25, 2024 | Updated: 9:15 PM EDT, April 25, 2024

Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was selected eighth overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the first stunner of the 2024 NFL Draft.

The pick comes less than two months after Atlanta quarterback Kirk Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract this offseason.

Penix Jr., the 2023 Heisman Trophy runner-up, led the Huskies to the national championship game last season before falling to Michigan.

He will now team up with the likes of Bijan Robinson and Drake London to start his pro career, although he will likely sit behind Cousins to start.

The former Vikings pass rusher, 35, is guaranteed $100 million and also received a $50 million signing bonus from Atlanta.

MORE TO FOLLOW