The Falcons made the first real surprise pick of this year’s NFL draft by taking Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

The move comes after the Falcons signed veteran QB <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/03/11/sports/kirk-cousins-bolting-vikings-to-sign-with-falcons/#:~:text=Cousins%20reportedly%20agreed%20to%20terms,the%20top%2030%20free%20agents.">Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract</a> last month.&nbsp;

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<figcaption>Michael Penix is headed to the Falcons in a 2024 NFL Draft shock. <span class="credit">Getty Images</span></figcaption>

Penix is coming off a season where he completed 363 passes for 4,903 yards and 36 touchdowns for the Huskies.&nbsp;

He helped lead Washington to the College Football Playoff national championship game, where the <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/01/08/sports/cfp-final-michigan-tops-washington-for-national-championship/">Huskies fell to Michigan</a>.

The move comes after the Falcons signed veteran QB Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract last month. {ai:summary}<p>Falcons stun in drafting Michael Penix Jr. as QB despite recent Kirk Cousins deal. Penix's impressive stats with Washington will be put to the test in the NFL. #sports</p>

Falcons select Michael Penix Jr. with No. 8 pick in 2024 NFL Draft stunner

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