Kirk Cousins showed a ton of class by reaching out to Michael Penix Jr. after the Falcons drafted him

It’s still a bit jarring that the Atlanta Falcons picked Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with their first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

It’s not the pick that’s as shocking as what the Falcons did a month ago in paying free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins a major salary.

While Cousins was reportedly shocked by the pick like the rest of us, the former Minnesota Vikings quarterback lived up to his classy reputation by welcoming Penix after the Falcons selected him.

Per The Athletic’s Josh Kendall, Penix said in his opening press conference that he “had a very good conversation” with Cousins after the latter reached out on Thursday night.

Kirk Cousins called Michael Penix on Thursday night. "He did reach out. We had a very good conversation. I’m going to keep it just between me and him right now, but it was a good conversation. I’m super excited to work with him."

— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) April 26, 2024

While the pick is as polarizing as these things can go in the draft process, it doesn’t really seem (at least right now) that there will be any major controversy for the Falcons.

Cousins will start for the team for the next few seasons, and Penix will eventually succeed him if all goes well for his development.

This is a huge gamble for the Falcons, but it could work out really well if Penix is as good as the team thinks he is and Cousins sparks the winning culture Atlanta craves in the meantime.