Perry: Why the Patriots should waive Michael Penix Jr

Perry: Why Patriots should give up Michael Penix Jr. originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The New England Patriots have been linked to three quarterbacks in particular in the 2024 NFL Draft: UNC's Drake Maye, LSU's Jayden Daniels and Michigan's JJ McCarthy. On Monday, however, another signal caller joined the conversation.

According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. met with Patriots brass and coaches for dinner. While that doesn't necessarily mean New England is seriously interested in the 2023 Heisman Trophy runner-up, it does show that the organization is at least open to the idea of ​​moving down from No. 3 overall and selecting him or another second-tier QB .

Penix had an outstanding senior season with the Huskies that ended with a loss in the national championship to Michigan. The 24-year-old posted some of the best numbers among college QBs, totaling 4,903 pass yards for 36 touchdowns and a 65.4 completion percentage in 15 games. Despite Penix's success, our Phil Perry is cautious about the Patriots taking him in the first or second round.

He explained why on Tuesday Early edition.

“I like a lot of things about Michael Penix,” Perry said. “I love his moxie. I love his enthusiasm. I love the fact that he's been through some really difficult times. The guy wondered if he would ever play football again after suffering one of his four season-ending injuries along the way. “I love that he won that at a high level in Washington and that he had some really good ones Receiver probably even made it a little better because this guy has a cannon for a left arm.

“I don’t like his medical history. It would scare me if I invested in him with a first or second round pick. They say this is the future at this position for three, four, however many years.” And because of his medical history, that makes me uncomfortable. He is also 24 years old and therefore his ceiling for improvement is not what JJ McCarthy is old.”

Penix suffered four season-ending injuries during his time at Indiana – two torn ACLs in the same knee and two shoulder problems. He transferred to Washington before the 2022 season and enjoyed two impressive, healthy seasons with the Huskies.

His injury history isn't the only thing that worries Perry.

“I'm also a little concerned about Michael Penix's style of play,” Perry added. “He's a bomb-snapping quarterback, and if Bruce Arians was here coaching this offense, I'd say he's done it. They don't have the weapons for this kind of offensive. They don't have the offensive line for a pocket.” The way Michael Penix approaches his work on the field as a passer is not a good situation and you don't use him until the roster gets better because he's 24 too Year old.

Penix may be too big of a risk for a Patriots team looking for stability at the QB position after parting ways with 2021 first-rounder Mac Jones. However, if New England is selected at No. 3, he will be among the top signal-callers to consider.

Watch Perry debate his case against Mike Giardi of the Boston Sports Journal in the early edition below: