Falcons holding private workout with QB Michael Penix Jr.

The Atlanta Falcons are sending general manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris to Seattle for a private workout with Washington quarterback Michael Penix, NFL insider Albert Breer reported on Friday morning.

Penix is one of the most talented QB prospects in this year’s draft class and the Falcons currently hold the No. 8 pick. While it seems unlikely that Atlanta would draft Penix in the first round, there’s a chance it could happen if the team trades down.

The Washington QB has passed for 9,547 yards and 67 touchdowns over the last two seasons. Penix led the team to an undefeated record in 2023 and lost to Michigan in the National Championship.

The Falcons are sending a sizable group to Seattle to conduct a private workout with Washington QB Michael Penix today, per sources. HC Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot are among those in the traveling party, which left this morning.

Atlanta holds the eighth overall pick.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 5, 2024

The Falcons signed quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year deal in free agency. It would make sense to draft Penix as a developmental backup and let him sit behind Cousins for a few years. The 35-year-old is coming off a serious Achilles injury and if he doesn’t perform, Penix could eventually step in.

Most draft analysts have Penix ranked among the top five quarterbacks in the class. The strong-armed QB would be a good fit in Zac Robinson’s system. It just comes down to whether or not the team would use a top pick on Penix without having an immediate need at the position.

• Falcons fill holes in mock draft
• 10 Free-agent targets for ATL
• Falcons’ projected win total
• Falcons salary cap numbers