Former NFL defensive back Tank Williams expresses concern over the Atlanta Falcons' selection of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the NFL Draft, arguing that it compromises the team's salary cap situation and raises questions about the organization's priorities.
Former NFL defensive back Tank Williams has expressed his skepticism about the Atlanta Falcons' decision to select quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick in the recent NFL Draft. Appearing on OutKick's "Hot Mic" on Monday, Williams questioned the team's allocation of resources, arguing that it has put the salary cap into dire straits and undermined the team's ability to build a winning roster.
Williams highlighted the Falcons' recent signing of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a lucrative contract worth up to $180 million. He believes that this move, combined with the selection of Penix Jr., who is expected to sign a four-year deal worth $22.8 million with a $13.4 million signing bonus, has created a significant financial burden for the team.
"When it first went down, that was my initial impression," Williams said. "If you want to build a winner in the NFL, we've already seen what the model is. You lock in a young quarterback who punches above his weight early on in his career, and that allows you to put so many pieces around him because you're in a better cap situation."
Williams pointed to the Houston Texans as an example of a team that has struggled to build a winning roster due to a heavy investment in the quarterback position. He emphasized the importance of having a young, cost-effective quarterback to provide financial flexibility for other positions on the team.
"So, if you knew Michael Penix was going to be your guy, why would you go ahead and guarantee Kirk Cousins over $100 million and then go and draft this guy top 10?" Williams asked. "So, one, you put yourself into a terrible cap situation moving forward. You don't notify Kirk Cousins what your attentions are, so now your quarterback room is already a little bit jaded from jump street."
Williams also questioned the Falcons' use of their draft pick, arguing that they could have addressed more pressing needs by selecting a player at another position. "You end up wasting on a quarterback when you could've had a running back or a wide receiver or an offensive lineman or some of the other pieces to the puzzle, yet you spend it on Michael Penix," he said.
While Williams acknowledged Penix's talent and agreed that he could be a top-10 talent, he criticized the Falcons' strategy. "I just don't like the way the Falcons went about it," he said.
The Falcons' draft strategy has raised questions about the organization's long-term vision and ability to build a competitive team. The financial implications of their recent moves, combined with the potential for quarterback room tensions, could have a significant impact on the team's success in the coming years.
