NFL Draft 2024: Micah Parsons reveals why he feels bad for Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons has hit out at fans on social media for what he perceived to be unfair treatment of quarterback Michael Penix Jr on his big day.

Penix was selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the eighth pick of the 2024 NFL draft, much to the surprise of analysts and fans online considering the franchise had signed Kirk Cousins on a massive $180 million less than two months earlier.

Parsons highlighted some of the negativity directed at the franchise and Penix, saying it was a "ridiculous" way of welcoming a young player to the league.

“Legit feel bad for Penix he just became a top 10 draft pick and everyone of social media is saying how bad of a pick it is!! I mean this is just ridiculous of a way to welcome a kid in the NFL,” he wrote on X.

Michael Penix Jr. to serve as backup to Kirk Cousins

Head coach Raheem Morris provided some clarity on the quarterback situation in Atlanta, confirming that Cousins would be the starter and Penix would be viewed as a long-term solution.

"Kirk Cousins is our quarterback. We're very excited about Kirk, very excited about this team," Morris told the press. "(With) Michael Penix, we're talking about the future. The draft is you look at the future and you look at the big picture."

Morris also talked about implementing the Green Bay Packers formula with Penix. The Packers drafted Jordan Love and made him a starter three years later after Aaron Rodgers departed for the New York Jets.