During the 2024 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons had the most shocking selection, drafting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth-overall pick. Not only did Penix go higher than everyone expected, he went to a Falcons team that had just paid Kirk Cousins $180 million. The decision to add both quarterbacks made Atlanta the laughingstock of the NFL.
It ultimately proved to be a good decision, because Penix took over for Cousins late in the season, and now, the Falcons believe they have their quarterback of the future. They do still have a very expensive backup on the roster, but that’s something Atlanta is willing to figure out later.
While the move initially seemed like poor planning by the franchise, it was actually a well-thought out plan, that was surprisingly influenced by Atlanta’s rival, the New Orleans Saints. Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot, who’s from Louisiana, and worked for the Saints from 2003 to 2020, recently revealed that his time in New Orleans played a role in his decision to double up at quarterback.
Speaking at the 2025 Scouting Combine, Fontenot was asked if witnessing New Orleans’ lack of succession plan for Drew Brees played a role in drafting Penix, and he admitted it absolutely did.
Asked #Falcons GM Terry Fontenot if his time with the #Saints of the team never having a succession plan after Drew Brees factored into his QB decisions last season for @SaintsBlockPod: pic.twitter.com/ICmxTcujky
— #NoMusicNoIntro (#TheAgenda) (@askmetostay323) February 25, 2025
Saints not having a successor for Drew Brees influenced the Falcons to draft Michael Penix Jr.
Fontenot explained that when your quarterback is there, you have to go get them. While Atlanta invested a lot in Kirk Cousins, they understood that he was near the end of the road. They preferred to get his successor early, instead of late.
New Orleans didn’t take that approach, and the franchise is still reeling because of it. Since Brees retired in 2020, the Saints haven’t made the playoffs in four straight years, and they’ve hired two head coaches in that time. New Orleans is also still searching for a quarterback of the future.
To make matters worse, the Saints also have a lot of money tired up in a veteran quarterback they aren’t entirely committed to. So while New Orleans was laughing at the Falcons, the Saints probably should’ve been doing the same thing.