Falcons plan to use 'Green Bay model' at QB

The Falcons are following the Packers' lead after Atlanta's stunning selection of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the opening round of the NFL draft.

General manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris referred to "the Green Bay model" after their NFC peers employed a similar strategy at the position. The Packers drafted Jordan Love in the first round of the 2020 draft despite still having Aaron Rodgers on the roster.

The Packers experienced a successful transition when Love took over as starter in 2023 after spending three seasons backing up Rodgers, though the four-time MVP's tenure in Green Bay came to an unharmonious conclusion before he was traded to the New York Jets last April.

"The Green Bay model was something that we talked about," Morris said, according to team reporter Terrin Waack. "It's been proven to be right, last year. Hopefully, we'll be right with them."

Fontenot added: "Kirk Cousins is our quarterback. We're very excited about Kirk, very excited about this team. (With) Michael Penix, we're talking about the future. The draft is (when) you look at the future and you look at big picture."

Many were stunned when the Falcons selected Penix with the eighth overall pick, only a few months after landing prized free agent Cousins. Atlanta signed the former Minnesota Vikings passer to a four-year, $180-million contract that includes $100 million guaranteed.

Penix did not take a top-30 visit to the team's headquarters before the draft, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini. The Falcons' only interactions with the former Washington passer was a 45-minute workout along with a meeting at the scouting combine. However, the franchise felt comfortable with the work it did prior to Thursday.

Cousins was reportedly "shocked" and "disappointed" after Penix was announced as Atlanta's pick.

Although Green Bay's front office didn't give Rodgers a heads-up about Love's selection, the Falcons contacted Cousins while they were on the clock Thursday night about their decision to add Penix.

The Falcons believe Penix can develop under Cousins the way Love progressed behind Rodgers, until his opportunity arrives in Atlanta.