The Atlanta Falcons’ as soon as brilliant future has turned bitter.
On Wednesday, reports confirmed that second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. suffered {a partially} torn ACL, requiring surgical procedure that may have him out till mid-August 2026. And not using a coaching camp or full preseason, Penix’s standing for the beginning of the 2026 season is doubtful.
Michael Penix Jr.’s damage replace complicates Falcons’ future
When controversially choosing Penix at No. 8 general within the 2024 NFL Draft, one month after signing Kirk Cousins to a contract value $180 million ($100M assured), Falcons basic supervisor Terry Fontenot reasoned that it will present stability as soon as Cousins ultimately moved on after years spent looking for former longtime starter Matt Ryan’s substitute.
As a substitute, Atlanta remains to be and not using a professional franchise quarterback. And absent what’s trending towards changing into a top-10 first-round decide after a misguided 2025 draft-day commerce with the Los Angeles Rams, the Falcons will not have many good choices to enhance on the place this offseason.
Penix’s damage might put the workforce in a tough spot subsequent offseason, when Atlanta should determine whether or not to choose up his 2028 fifth-year possibility. The 2023 Heisman finalist could solely qualify for the essential quantity, which is projected to be $22.933M for the 2023 first-round quarterback class. That quantity would rise for the 2024 class, and that is a substantial quantity for a participant who hasn’t proved to be value that a lot. (h/t Over the Cap)
In 12 profession begins, Penix is 224-of-376 (59.6 %) for two,719 yards, 12 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. Penix might want to present quite a bit subsequent 12 months, coming off reconstructive knee surgical procedure, to solidify himself as a part of Atlanta’s future plans. That does not bode properly for him or the Falcons, who’ve a number of excellent contract conditions to resolve.
Tight finish Kyle Pitts, the No. 4 general decide of the 2021 NFL Draft, is on an expiring deal. He is been an enormous disappointment, however the Falcons do not have a viable substitute behind him. Wideout Drake London is about to play on his fifth-year rookie possibility subsequent season and can be a holdout candidate if he is unable to work out a long-term deal. Two-time second-team All-Professional security Jessie Bates III can also be set to play on an expiring deal and will request an extension earlier than taking the sphere subsequent 12 months.
Proprietor Arthur Clean should decide how a lot cash is value placing right into a workforce that is likely to be a season or two away from contending, probably resulting in tough conversations.
Gamers like London, Bates and working again Bijan Robinson, who will likely be in his fourth NFL season in 2026, would command huge returns on the commerce market. As proficient because the three are, they’re being wasted in Atlanta, which has nothing to indicate for his or her contributions. With Penix set for a protracted restoration timeline, issues are unlikely to enhance a lot subsequent season, setting the trio up for one more 12 months compiling meaningless stats.
The Falcons will ultimately need to make choices on all of their younger stars, together with Penix. His season-ending damage provides them fewer knowledge factors to make an knowledgeable name whereas additionally stalling his improvement.
A season that started with hope has slowly morphed into one other nightmare for Atlanta. It could possibly be some time earlier than the Falcons wake.
