Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Bears GM has hilarious reaction to Falcons drafting Michael Penix Jr.

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Kelsey Kramer | Last updated 4/26/24

The Atlanta Falcons shook up the 2024 NFL Draft last night when they selected Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the 8th overall pick.

It was an odd move by Atlanta who just signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal with $100 million guaranteed.

Some found the Falcons' pick rightfully shocking, others were angry while Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles was simply amused.

When asked post-draft about the Falcons selecting Penix at No. 8 before the Bears were back on the clock at No. 9, Poles couldn't hold back a laugh.

"I'm just happy it worked out that way," Poles said.

Bears GM Ryan Poles laughed when asked about the Falcons drafting Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 pic.twitter.com/7JGIYim358
— Dave (@dave_bfr) April 26, 2024

Chicago went on to select Penix Jr.'s top target in former Washington Huskies wide receiver Rome Odunze who will pair nicely with their first overall pick in USC quarterback Caleb Williams.

As for the Falcons, they look at Penix as Cousin's future successor... years from now.

“Kirk Cousins is our quarterback,” General Manager Terry Fontenot told reporters following the draft. “We’re very excited about Kirk. We’re very excited about this team. Michael Penix is. ...We’re talking about the future. You look at the future. You look at the big picture. We are very excited about that quarterback room, and again, Kirk is our quarterback. But adding Michael Penix is thinking about the future."

So, when Penix is about 30, he'll take over Cousin's spot under center for the Falcons.

And they're okay with that.

"If you believe in a quarterback, you have to take him," Fontenot said. "And if he sits for four or five years, that's a great problem to have because we're doing so well at that position. So, it's as simple as, if you see a guy you believe in at that position, you have to take him."

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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