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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix.
The Atlanta Falcons hoped that when they selected Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, they had secured their franchise quarterback for the future. That was the vision of the previous regime — not necessarily the current one.
Former head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot are now gone, and with a new leadership group in place, Penix’s long-term outlook in Atlanta is no longer guaranteed.
That uncertainty was put into sharper focus this week after ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith said the Falcons already regret the pick.
“I think so, and it’s not about his game, because the brother can play,” Smith said on First Take. “I’m going to tell you what I was told.”
Smith went on to reference Penix’s usage in shotgun-heavy formations.
“You see him lined up in the shotgun most of the time because it’s difficult for him to line up under center,” Smith said. “He has to bend his knees too much. I mean, damn.”
Smith did not identify his sources, but the speculation ties back to Penix’s extensive injury history. The 25-year-old is currently recovering from his third torn ACL — two suffered in college on his right knee and the most recent injury to his left knee during the 2025 season.
“When that’s the reason why you’re in shotgun formation most of the time, that is problematic,” Smith added.
Penix’s Health Adds Another Layer of Uncertainty
Penix underwent surgery in November 2025 to repair the torn ACL, with an expected recovery timeline of nine to 12 months.
Injuries were always viewed as the primary risk when drafting Penix, which is why some evaluators projected him to fall later in the draft despite his talent.
Now, with new leadership in place — head coach Kevin Stefanski, general manager Ian Cunningham and president of football Matt Ryan — nothing appears off the table, including a potential shift at quarterback.
When recently asked about Penix, Ryan stopped short of offering any long-term commitment.
“Quarterback’s obviously very important, and we’re excited about Mike and what he’s doing with his rehab,” Ryan said. “I’ve been up at the facility the last three weeks, and Michael’s been in there attacking that and he’s in a good space right now. So we’re excited about where he’s at. But certainly, a lot of discussions for us about the entire roster.”
Stephen A. Smith Praises Matt Ryan’s Honesty
Ryan deferred any decision on the starting quarterback to Stefanski, but Smith believes the message was clear.
“I want to applaud Matt Ryan,” Smith said. “He’s like, the quarterback position is important, and we ain’t committing to nobody.”
Smith pointed to Atlanta’s financial investment in Kirk Cousins — who earned roughly $90 million over two seasons — despite a playoff appearance. He then circled back to Penix’s durability concerns.
“You need a quarterback,” Smith said. “So if you’re Matt Ryan, what you’re saying is clearly we’re not good enough.”
Smith summed up Atlanta’s situation bluntly on Cousins and Penix.
“We (Falcons) don’t have either guy that’s good enough for what we need,” he said.
Shane Shoemaker Shane Shoemaker is a sports journalist covering college football and the NFL for Heavy.com. His work has also appeared in The Sporting News, Athlon Sports, USA TODAY, and ClutchPoints, along with high school sports coverage for the Marion Tribune. More about Shane Shoemaker
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