Falcons GM, Coach Look Like Hostages Explaining Call To Kirk Cousins After Penix Pick
Atlanta Falcons officials looked wildly uncomfortable attempting to explain contacting Kirk Cousins after taking Michael Penix Jr. in the first round.
The Falcons stunned the NFL world when the team drafted the former Washington QB eighth overall after giving Kirk Cousins a massive contract.
The move was shocking to say the least, and the post-pick call with Cousins doesn't seem to have gone well.
Falcons GM and coach explain calling Kirk Cousins after drafting Michael Penix Jr.
GM Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris were asked about contacting Cousins after the pick, and their reactions looked straight out of a hostage video.
"That's a private...We wouldn't share that," Fontenot said while stumbling to find the right words for the situation. Morris quickly jumped in by noting, "Reactions are pretty private, right?"
"It's never a right time to talk to a quarterback about those things and reactions are always going to be private when it comes to those things, unless Kirk decides to tell you some of those things, whatever the case might be," Morris added.
You can watch the wildly awkward exchange below, and hit me with your reactions at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.
Painful. Absolutely painful to watch. To Morris' credit, he was at least able to roll with it. Fontenot was not able to roll with it at all. He had no idea what to say or do.
Even worse than his comment was the nodding of his head at the end of the video when a reporter noted Cousins' agent was shocked.
Just nod your head, man. Just keep nodding. Don't even bother speaking. It won't do you any good.
NFL fans are shocked by the Falcons drafting Michael Penix Jr. after signing Kirk Cousins to a huge deal. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
I'm not kidding when I say I've seen hostage videos less awkward and cold than whatever the Falcons leadership endured Thursday night. If you're going to pull a move like drafting Penix, then have some talking points ready to go. When asked about Cousins, simply respond with, "The conversation was had, and I can tell you he's excited for the QB room to grow stronger."
How is it that I'm better at this than actual NFL officials?
Best of luck to the Falcons moving forward with this controversy on their hands. It's going to dominate headlines for the foreseeable future. Let me know your reactions at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.