The Atlanta Falcons are shaking things up in the quarterback department this offseason, with the release of Kirk Cousins paving the way for Michael Penix Jr. to potentially take the reins as the full-time starter in 2026. However, head coach Kevin Stefanski isn’t quite ready to hand over the keys just yet.
During the NFL scouting combine, Stefanski was asked about Penix's status as the starter, and his response was cautious. "I'm not big on giving out positions in February," Stefanski remarked.
"I think you guys know how I feel about Michael and I'm excited about his trajectory. I also know he's focused on his rehab, which is the right thing to do."
This comes on the heels of Matt Ryan expressing support for the 25-year-old and Stefanski himself praising Penix during his introductory press conference. The Falcons' main offseason goal is clear: build a robust support system around Penix.
While it's understandable that Stefanski is holding off on making any official announcements, as most teams tend to wait until closer to August, his comments might not bolster Penix's confidence. The young quarterback, a former first-round pick, is still recovering from injury, and the team's approach could impact his mindset.
The Falcons are in a bit of a dilemma. They need to decide whether to bring in another quarterback to compete with Penix or secure a reliable backup. Names like Joe Flacco, Tua Tagovailoa, and Mac Jones have been floated as potential additions, each bringing different dynamics to the table.
For Penix, the priority is health. If he's not ready for Week 1, the Falcons might have to look elsewhere, regardless of the coaching staff's belief in his potential. The journey to training camp is long, and right now, the Falcons' quarterback situation is filled with more questions than answers.