With a new head coach and a new offensive coordinator taking over, the Atlanta Falcons are likely to have a new starting quarterback in 2024 too. While Desmond Ridder is likely to remain on the roster, where the former third-round pick will keep trying to develop into a starting-caliber QB, competition is needed.
Reports suggest the Falcons’ top free agent target is Kirk Cousins. But Cousins’ top priority may very well be to return to Minnesota, where he’s raised his family for the past six years.
If Cousins opts to sign a new contract with the Vikings, the Falcons will have no option but to pivot to Option B.
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NFL insiders expect Atlanta Falcons to trade for Justin Fields
While their preference remains to sign Kirk Cousins, the Atlanta Falcons realize they may not get what they want. With a roster the front office feels is ready to compete, the Falcons may then turn to another QB who already has starting experience.
If so, one of the most promising options available may be Chicago’s Justin Fields.
As Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer noted, if the Falcons strike out on Cousins, a “trade for Justin Fields could be in play”
Doing so would give the Falcons a chance to buy low on a player who was the 11th overall pick in 2021. Fields, 25, still has plenty of time to further his development as a passer. But as a runner, Fields is already one of the most potent dual-threat QBs around. But any team that acquires him must get Fields to be more consistent through the air, as his 61.4% completion rate ranked 29th among starters a season ago. That’s only ahead of Zach Wilson, Bryce Young, and Will Levis and just behind Kenny Pickett.
Trading for Fields isn’t likely to cost Atlanta more than a Round 3 pick, at best, and his arrival could provide a much-needed spark to Atlanta’s offense. But as mentioned, he has a ways to go before he can even dream of matching the passing production someone like Cousins would provide. Yet, that doesn’t mean he can’t still be a great addition with the potential to develop into a star.