Chad Johnson Defends Penix Jr. Pick amid Kirk Cousins Falcons Rumors: 'Common Sense'

The Atlanta Falcons have found at least one prominent NFL figure who believes they made the right pick selecting Michael Penix Jr. in last month's NFL draft.

Chad Johnson called the selection "common sense" but did note it's understandable if Kirk Cousins feels a little uneasy about the pick.

"Anytime you pick a quarterback at No. 8, you know he's there to take your job," Johnson told TMZ Sports. "So I say it's a good thing that Penix gets to sit behind him and learn from a veteran like Kirk Cousins. It's a good thing. Kirk knows his time is winding down."

The Falcons shocked the football world by taking Penix just a month after signing Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract. Cousins' agent, Mike McCartney, told Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network that the quarterback was given no head's up beforehand.

"It was a big surprise. We had no idea this was coming," McCartney said via text. "The truth is the whole league had no idea this was coming. We got no heads up. Kirk got a call from the Falcons when they were on the clock. That was the first we heard. It never came up in any conversation."

Cousins' camp understandably expected the Falcons to select a player who would help the team win next season. Penix, while talented, will only play next season if Cousins is injured.

Despite the surprise, Penix said Cousins reached out to him in the aftermath to offer support.

"He did reach out. We had a very good conversation. He reached out last night," Penix said. "I'm going to keep it just between me and him right now, but it was definitely a good conversation, and I'm super excited to work with him, and he said he was the same with me."

While it's unclear how the Falcons sold Cousins on leaving Minnesota for Atlanta, it's very likely the concept of Super Bowl contention was mentioned. Drafting Penix flew in the face of that win-now mentality.

That said, if Penix winds up being a star two or three years from now, it's unlikely anyone will bat an eye at the pick.