Who Should I Start? Nick Mullens or Michael Penix Jr.

Monday, March 10, 4:55 PM

The Jacksonville Jaguars agreed to terms with free-agent quarterback Nick Mullens on Monday on a two-year, $6.5 million deal with $3 million guaranteed, a source told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. Mullens will be the new backup to Trevor Lawrence in head coach Liam Coen's first year in Duvall. The 29-year-old Mullens will reunite with new Jaguars assistant coach Grant Udinski after the two worked together with the Minnesota Vikings. Mullens spent the last three years in Minnesota, appearing in 13 games (three starts) while throwing for 1,568 yards, eight touchdowns and nine interceptions. He only appeared in four games in relief last year with Sam Darnold having a career year. Mullens will provide veteran backup depth behind Lawrence, though, having appeared in 33 games (20 starts) in his seven years in the NFL with Minnesota, San Francisco and Cleveland.

Monday, June 2, 11:43 PM

The Atlanta Falcons are completely focused on developing former first-round quarterback Michael Penix Jr., according to SI.com's Albert Breer. Last year, the Falcons were locked into having veteran Kirk Cousins under center, but now they are putting their offense together in a way that will best fit Penix. The 25-year-old second-year signal-caller has proven to be an even faster learner than was expected when he was drafted. He has been working to get his footwork synced up, his base widened and his eyes upfield, while coaches also want Penix working to create ways to take advantage of his high-end arm talent. Atlanta added slow-developing, play-action concepts to take advantage of Penix's ability to create explosive plays down the field, and they've also expanded their perimeter passing game. The coaches and players are behind Penix, who will be an attractive QB2 with upside in superflex leagues in 2025.