Atlanta Falcons may use a patchwork strategy to address quarterbacking concerns in the summer.
The Atlanta Falcons have a lot of unknowns going into the 2024 offseason. We do know that Raheem Morris’ squad needs a new starting quarterback because Desmond Ridder was ineffective in that role last season. possibly if Ridder can yet improve, it might be too much to expect him to suddenly return as a player capable of taking this club to the postseason or possibly the Super Bowl.
Clearly, the team’s offseason focus will be on finding a solution to their quarterback situation. However, how will the Falcons accomplish the task?
Although the Falcons hold the eighth overall pick, the top three quarterback prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft are anticipated to be chosen in the first three rounds. The Falcons are by no means the only club in need of a quarterback this offseason, so they may be attempting to sign the next best player, such as J.J. McCarthy.
The Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders, who are ranked behind the Falcons at No. 8, may also attempt to take serious action to address their quarterback issues. The Falcons might attempt to add another first-round talent and possibly create a backup plan in case they are unable to locate a long-term starter, since they have no idea who will be available in the draft.
A first-round talent may even be taken in the draft, and then another young player just selected in the first round could be acquired by trade.
Atlanta Falcons could try trading for Justin Fields and drafting a first-round QB
Finding a long-term franchise quarterback is the Atlanta Falcons’ #1 objective. That is, however, as we all know, far easier said than done. This may prompt the Falcons front staff to take an unusual tack, like making many attempts to solve the riddle.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated recently described a scenario in which the Falcons may select a quarterback in the first round while still acquiring a young player. If that’s the case, dealing for someone like Zach Wilson may be one option, but Justin Fields was a crucial name he brought up.
With Fields, a 25-year-old who was selected with the 11th overall selection in 2021, and a lottery ticket via the draft, the Falcons would have two opportunities to address their quarterback issues. Although Fields has demonstrated his ability to rush the ball, organizations are now interested in seeing whether they can get the former Ohio State standout to perform well as a passer as well.
And the Falcons, with players like Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts, and Drake London, would be the ideal location to give Fields a change of pace. Not to mention that the Falcons could only have to give up a second or third-round selection in exchange for Fields, which is a fair price for a quarterback with franchise potential.
Less than a week remains until the start of free agency, and it seems the Falcons will have no shortage of possibilities.