"Arthur Blank Stands by Falcons' First-Round Quarterback Selection, Citing 'Succession Strategy'"
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank praised the "autonomous thinkers" in the front office and coaching staff for what he deemed a business decision when the team selected quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Considered a shock by those outside the organization, even starting quarterback Kirk Cousins - who had just signed a $100 million contract weeks prior - was taken aback by the selection.
However, Blank expressed gratitude that the Falcons do not always heed the advice of the league or media.
"And thank goodness we do not always follow the opinions of others. We are truly independent thinkers," he told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
"We have been in a situation, after Matt Ryan, where we have seen that movie when we did not have a franchise quarterback," Blank continued. "We did not want to repeat that again. I, for one, am very conscious of succession planning in any business, especially after 60 years. It is crucial. And at the most important position, the quarterback position in the NFL, it is extremely important. So, after listening to our coaching staff and personnel department, they ultimately made the decision. Michael was available at number eight and they saw an exceptional talent."
Cousins is closer to 40 years old than 30 and is recovering from a torn Achilles that ended his 2023 season in October. Blank stated that Cousins was informed that the Falcons were "likely" going to draft a quarterback. Like others that Blank insisted the Falcons do not listen to, it is reasonable to assume that Cousins was not anticipating the team to select a quarterback in the first round.
Cousins has been medically cleared for full participation in training camp but is not expected to play in the preseason.
Blank stated that the decision was made with the future in mind, acknowledging that "age does catch up."
"Kirk Cousins is our franchise quarterback, our starting quarterback, and he seems to be doing well from a medical standpoint," Blank said. "His attitude, leadership, and impact on our players and coaching staff have been nothing short of exceptional. We are very pleased with that situation."
