The Atlanta Falcons suffered a disappointing 2023 campaign, finishing at 7-10 and failing to qualify for the postseason. One reason behind this outcome? The quarterback position.
The Falcons fan base has witnessed remarkable stability at quarterback for most of the past two decades. Michael Vick burst onto the scene in the early 2000s as a perennial MVP candidate.
Matt Ryan eventually took over the QB1 mantle in 2008, holding the top spot on the depth chart through the 2021 NFL regular season. He claimed the 2016 NFL MVP award en route to a Super Bowl berth.
Since moving on from Ryan, Atlanta has struggled to land a successor. Now, entering a turning point offseason for the franchise, the Falcons must find an upgrade at quarterback.
Dexerto Sports highlights some intriguing quarterback options for the Falcons in 2024.
Kirk Cousins makes sense for Falcons
Perhaps the most straightforward fit for Atlanta is signing 35-year-old veteran Kirk Cousins to a short-term pact.
Cousins is recovering from a devastating season-ending Achilles injury, but is reportedly ahead of schedule and expected to be ready for Week 1.
Kirk Cousins is ahead of schedule in his recovery from Achilles surgery and will be throwing in the next month or so.What kind of payday could Cousins get when free agency kicks off in 44 days? @MarcRoss helped us break it down on The Insiders.📺📱💻 https://t.co/RV7mRM3S0M pic.twitter.com/hEfFm8JTx1
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 26, 2024
The Falcons have an embarrassment of riches on offense, including exciting weapons and a stout offensive line.
Assuming he’s healthy, Cousins will bring pinpoint accuracy, droves of invaluable experience, and the talent to get Atlanta back into the postseason.
Could Justin Fields excel in Atlanta?
Acquiring Justin Fields is enticing in a vacuum. Fields is an exceptional athlete at quarterback and has the arm strength to put stress on opposing secondaries.
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The Bears must be willing to move Fields, and if they are, the Falcons will need to trade some NFL Draft capital to complete the potential deal.
Should the Chicago Bears trade the 1st pick in the Draft and improve their overall roster? You bet your SWEET BUTTER BISCUITS THEY SHOULD. Let HC Matt Eberflus and Justin Fields compete for their Chicago Bears’ future next season with a better roster📺 https://t.co/Wvw5V1uUK8 pic.twitter.com/v2nWanMF48
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) January 27, 2024
With Atlanta, Fields can use his speed in the running game with Bijan Robinson and flex the power in his right arm by targeting Drake London and Kyle Pitts downfield.
A rookie from the 2024 NFL Draft
The 2024 NFL Draft boasts a few instant starters at quarterback.
If the @ChicagoBears draft Caleb Williams: "..they would have the most talented QB in the division"– Daniel Jeremiah pic.twitter.com/9OYrUjrqjq
— ESPN 1000 (@ESPN1000) January 26, 2024
Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels headline the group, though it would likely require Atlanta to trade a massive haul of future assets to move up for any of the three.
If the Falcons opt to wait, J.J. McCarthy, Bo Nix, and Michael Penix Jr. are potential plug-and-play starters on Sunday.
Falcons tab Russell Wilson as the answer
The storyline between Russell Wilson and hip-hop artist Future has died down in recent years, but the star signal-caller moving to Atlanta would surely reignite that narrative.
Russell Wilson posts new picture with baby Future pic.twitter.com/wV9lpAxMWt
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) January 26, 2024
Wilson fits the criteria of a difference-maker behind center. The former Super Bowl champion has 115 regular season wins under his belt, along with 334 career passing touchdowns. Wilson also possesses the big arm to stretch defenses and the intelligence to take the check-downs when necessary.
He must rebound from a disappointing tenure in Denver. The Falcons provide Wilson a chance at winning another ring.