The recent decision by the Falcons to draft a quarterback with the eighth overall pick is puzzling. With the team having committed $100 million to Kirk Cousins, the primary goal should have been to win a championship with him. However, using a high draft pick on his replacement does not align with that objective.
Comparisons have been drawn between the Falcons’ treatment of Cousins and the Chiefs’ handling of Alex Smith. While Smith had several years to prove himself with the Chiefs before they decided to move on, Cousins has not even played a game for Atlanta yet. This suggests that the Falcons have already preconceived notions about his capabilities based on his career narrative.
The decision to draft a quarterback like Penix implies that the Falcons believe in this narrative surrounding Cousins and are willing to bet on it. By selecting a player who may not make an immediate impact, they risk fulfilling their own prophecy about Cousins’ limitations. Despite being guaranteed $100 million, Cousins likely hoped for Atlanta to be his final and best opportunity at a Super Bowl. However, with this draft decision, it appears that his aspirations may have been dashed, leaving him feeling like Charlie Brown with the football being pulled away at the last moment.
The confusion likely stems from messages conveyed to Cousins during negotiations, possibly implying a pursuit of a championship together. However, selecting a quarterback contradicts this sentiment and suggests a lack of faith in Cousins’ ability to lead them to the highest level.
Overall, this move by the Falcons signals that they buy into existing narratives surrounding Cousins and are willing to bet on them. They risk fulfilling their own prophecy about his limitations while denying him an opportunity for success in Atlanta.