FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons have completed the signing of their entire rookie draft class.
Having already secured agreements with seven of their eight selections, Atlanta concluded negotiations on Friday with their final and most significant addition, quarterback Michael Penix Jr., the team’s first-round pick.
Michael Penix Jr., chosen as the No. 8 overall pick, inked a four-year deal valued at $22.88 million, featuring a $13.46 million signing bonus, as reported by
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insider Jordan Schultz.
Earlier, on May 10, Atlanta had already secured contracts with their final four picks: fifth-round linebacker J.D. Bertrand, along with sixth-round selections running back Jase McClellan, wide receiver Casey Washington, and defensive tackle Zion Logue.
Second-round defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro and third-round edge rusher Bralen Trice finalized their agreements on May 15 and May 19, respectively. Fourth-round defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus completed his contract signing on May 30.
Penix remained the lone unsigned pick until the recent agreement, actively participating in all offseason training sessions from rookie minicamp through OTAs and mandatory minicamp.
The 24-year-old Penix excelled at the University of Washington, finishing as the runner-up in Heisman Trophy voting last season. He amassed 4,903 passing yards and 36 touchdowns in 15 games.
Over his two-year tenure with the Huskies, the 6-3, 215-pound Penix started every possible game, completing 65.4 percent of his passes for a total of 9,544 yards, 67 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions.
In Atlanta, Penix will serve as the understudy to starting signal caller Kirk Cousins, who signed a four-year, $180 million contract this spring. The Falcons are giving Cousins some $100-million guaranteed over the next two seasons, meaning Penix likely won’t see the field until 2026 at the earliest.
But now, the business side of Penix’s professional career has been taken care of. The football part grows closer to becoming a reality July 24, when he’ll arrive in Flowery Branch for his first NFL training camp.
