The Atlanta Falcons are once again a top team in the NFC South after spending several years out of contention. It’s finally time for this young team to take a leap forward and return to the playoff football the organization enjoyed just a few years ago.
After the failed Kirk Cousins experiment, the hopeful franchise quarterback, Michael Penix Jr., is set to start his first full NFL season. Many around the league are excited to see him play on Sundays, especially since the world got a glimpse of him at the end of last season. In fact, Penix is a major reason why Atlanta landed so many primetime games.
“It’s a bit surprising that the Falcons have five prime-time games this season,” Jordan Dajani wrote. “I believe that’s because of the excitement surrounding Michael Penix Jr.”
With the Falcons expecting Penix to become their franchise guy, they’re hoping he develops into one of the best quarterbacks in the league. And if he does, the Falcons could follow the blueprint laid out by the 49ers.
“Penix could reset the quarterback market with a record-breaking deal. But if he’s a top 10 signal-caller yet just behind the Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson tier, then the Falcons may have a new blueprint to follow with the Purdy contract,” Dave Holcomb wrote.
Just a few days ago, Brock Purdy was awarded a massive contract extension—one that now pays the quarterback once known as “Mr. Irrelevant.”
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“Purdy and the Niners have agreed to terms on a five-year, $265 million contract extension. The deal includes $181 million in total guarantees and $165.05 million in the first three years,” CBS Sports’ Jared Dubin wrote.
Purdy has led the 49ers on deep playoff runs, so if Penix can start doing the same, he could very well earn a similar deal. As long as Penix continues to live up to the hype surrounding him, the Falcons have a perfect model to follow when it comes time to pay their quarterback.
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