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NFL Draft: Falcons better hope Michael Penix Jr. is worthy successor to Kirk Cousins after baffling pick

DETROIT — Last month, the Atlanta Falcons decided to solve their quarterback issues by signing Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract, with $100 million of it guaranteed.

It made sense. It excited fans. It fired up the roster.

The Falcons had gone 7-10 while dealing with some disastrous quarterback play from Desmond Ridder. So why not bring in a veteran quarterback to lead a young and talented team in a winnable division and see what happens?

Oh, and Atlanta owned the eighth pick in the NFL Draft to add a difference-maker on offense or grab a game-wrecking edge rusher.