Falcons sign first-round draft pick Michael Penix Jr., rookie contract details revealed

The Atlanta Falcons have officially signed first-round draft pick Michael Penix Jr., inking the former Washington Huskies quarterback to a four-year deal. His rookie contract is worth $22.88 million, which is fully guaranteed. Penix’s deal also includes a signing bonus of $13.46 million.

Penix joins the Falcons not too long after the team signed veteran QB Kirk Cousins to a four-year $180 million contract. The addition of Penix is shocking for most Falcons fans, but the team explained the QB position is now set for a least five years.

“It was an unsettling feeling, sitting there in ’21,” Falcons assistant general manager Kyle Smith said, per the team’s official website. “I’ll never forget sitting there with Terry and being like, ‘OK, well, what’s our future? What’s our plan for the future? How are we going to solidify down the road?’ It’s not just about this year or next year. It’s about five years minimum.”

Michael Penix Jr. ready to put in work with Falcons

Penix has a chance to be a superstar once he takes the field. The 23-year-old was named a first-team All-American in 2023 after throwing for 4,903 yards and 36 touchdowns in 15 games. In 2022, Penix threw for 4,641 yards and 31 touchdowns in 13 games. Last year, Penix led the Huskies to a 14-1 record, with the only loss coming against the Michigan Wolverines in the national championship game.

“I know I’m going to put in a ton of work to make sure whenever I do step on that field, there’s not going to be a beat missed and I’m going to be successful within this offense and this team,” Penix told reporters after the was drafted, per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “If I’m not on the field right away, I’m learning, but I’m still going to prepare like I’m going to be on that field because you never know what can happen.”

Penix also talked about learning from Cousins. “I love winning, and I’m a team guy,” Penix said during his introductory press conference. “That’s what I’m going to be in the locker room. “Kirk is an amazing guy. I actually watched the ‘Quarterback’ series with him. Seeing that he’s a man of faith, just like me, and he’s all about family – I really enjoyed that, to get a feel of what kind of guy he is. I’m super blessed to be in the room with him and to be able to work with him and learn from him and support him as he continues on his career.”