Falcons president Matt Ryan offers interesting update on future of Michael Penix Jr.

Atlanta Falcons legend Matt Ryan didn't hold his role of team president of football when the Falcons selected quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. 

It sounds like Ryan isn't married to Penix at this early stage of the offseason. 

Falcons to have "deeper" conversations before committing to a 2026 Week 1 QB1?

While speaking with reporters during Tuesday's media event related to the hiring of new Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham, Ryan was asked if Penix will be Atlanta's starter when the 25-year-old is cleared to return from his latest injury.

"Neither of us are the head coach of the football team, so we can't answer your question on that," Ryan responded, per ESPN's Marc Raimondi. "...I think as we start to get into this process and dive deeper into the roster -- how it currently stands, where it's going in the future -- I think those are conversations that'll be a part of it."

Penix made just three starts as a rookie before he entered this past September atop the Falcons' depth chart. He then went 3-6 as a starter up until his 2025 season ended prematurely when he needed surgery to repair a partially torn ACL. 

Penix suffered two ACL tears before he was drafted, so it's fair to wonder if he can make it through an entire NFL season as a full-time starter. 

Recently hired Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski hinted he could be open to starting veteran Kirk Cousins for more than a couple of games later this year. Stefanski was Cousins' quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator when the two were with the Minnesota Vikings in 2018 and 2019.

Falcons seem to be keeping options open regarding quarterback situation 

"Quarterback's obviously very important, and we're excited about Mike and what he's doing with his rehab," Ryan added. "I've been up at the facility the last three weeks, and Michael's been in there attacking that, and he's in a good space right now, so we're excited about where he is at. But certainly, a lot of discussions for us about the entire roster." 

It sounds like those discussions could result in the Falcons holding onto Cousins after some previously assumed he would be released before the end of March 12 at the latest.