Exclusive: Michael Penix’s Stock Drops as Falcons Hunt for New QB Option

The Falcons surprised many in the football world when they used a top 10 pick on quarterback Michael Penix two years ago after already signing Kirk Cousins to a significant free-agent deal. 

And now, with a new front office in place led by former Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, more change is coming to Atlanta’s quarterback room.

Penix’s performance and leadership has fallen under question in Atlanta, and, according to sources with knowledge of the process, as Ryan led the hunt for a new head coach and began probing as to why Penix has not developed as expected, several troubling trends emerged. Penix felt the need to apologize to his teammates at times last season for his sideline demeanor and actions, though displays of poor body language and decision making continued through the season, and new coach Kevin Stefanski, who lived through years of quarterback turmoil during his stint in Cleveland, will be seeking to find more stability at the all-important position now.

Banking On Penix A Risky Proposition 

With Cousins set to leave Atlanta by next month, given the construct of his revamped contract with the team, and Penix having to recover from season-ending surgery, the Falcons are going to have a different look at quarterback regardless. 

The expectation among those with a portal into the team’s thinking is that the Falcons won’t just be pursuing someone to man the position while Penix recovers, but to attempt to find a superior option to him if possible and prepare for a scenario in which he is not their top choice in 2026.

“It’s not just going to be a warm body, veteran-minimum type guy, I can promise you that,” said one source privy to some of Atlanta’s internal discussions about the quarterback position during their interviews with candidates for the head coaching search. 

“There are some definite concerns there about Penix taking the next step on several levels. It’s been a lot worse there than people really know.”

One general manager, who expects to be very active pursuing quarterbacks himself, said: “Atlanta is looking for a starting quarterback, I know that much. We are definitely looking at them as competition. I think they’re going to be in on everything. It’s not good there with Penix.”

Penix is 4-8 in two years as a starter, throwing just 12 touchdowns to six interceptions, averaging under 200 passing yards a game with a quarterback rating of just 85.8. He underwent reconstructive knee surgery after suffering a season-ending injury in November with a timetable to could run well past Week 1.