There is no questioning the fact that the Atlanta Falcons have fully embraced Michael Penix Jr. as the team's next franchise quarterback.
Veteran Kirk Cousins has accepted his demotion after realizing there was no team willing to take on his current deal. It is the price of playing hurt for a veteran who didn't give his team a chance. If a deal doesn't present itself for the veteran, the first two spots in Atlanta's depth chart are locked into place. Penix is going to be the starter and Cousins the fallback option if anything goes wrong.
This leaves a third spot up for grabs with recent signing Easton Stick being the obvious choice.
Stick has spent time in a backup role for the Los Angeles Chargers and brings experience as a third quarterback. However, there is no denying that more interesting options remain in free agency. This is before teams have even started to consider roster cuts. It isn't going to be difficult for the franchise to find an upgrade if Stick doesn't live up to expectations early on.
Falcons QB Easton Stick is on Notice Before Training Camp
The Falcons' training camp kicks off an important time for the quarterback to attempt to cement his status as the third option. Neither Penix nor Cousins is going to be moved in the depth chart, barring injury, which leaves Stick and practice-squad QB Emory Jones competing for the final spot at the position.
Stick needs to show experience and a consistent level of production in the reserve role. While Cousins brings a high level of stability behind Penix, which works against Stick. Having the veteran signal-caller as the primary backup allows Atlanta to take a chance on a lesser player or bring in another veteran to help Penix.
Either way, it is hard to see the Falcons not continuing to explore possible upgrades.
The former Los Angeles Charger can quiet this idea with a strong camp and by continuing to produce throughout the offseason. If this happens, it is hard to see the Falcons making a change, even if Stick is far from the best option on the market.