Andrew Buller-Russ
It’s no secret that the Atlanta Falcons are going big-game hunting for a quarterback this offseason. While Desmond Ridder still remains as a developmental QB prospect, if this offense wants to become explosive, they’ll need more consistency under center.
Related: 6 best Atlanta Falcons quarterback solutions for 2024 season
The Falcons could turn to free agency, with players like Kirk Cousins, Russell Wilson, and Jimmy Garoppolo expected to hit the open market, but there’s a sense Atlanta would rather prefer a long-term solution via the NFL Draft, if possible.
Atlanta Falcons enticed by Drake Maye in NFL Draft
Sitting with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons should be in position to add a quarterback in the first round. But that’s only if the leftover options are to their liking.
The current belief is that Caleb Williams will be picked first, with Drake Maye going second, to Washington, and then New England is becoming a bit of a mystery, but Jayden Daniels could very well be the third pick.
So where does that leave the Falcons? Possibly on the outside looking in, but other QB prospects like J.J. McCarthy could still be an enticing fallback, only if the Falcons’ scouts are high on the former Michigan signal-caller.
However, it’s also possible the Falcons will get aggressive and try trading up into the top five to secure one of the best NFL Draft quarterback prospects available. If so, Cam Marino suggests Drake Maye is the team’s top target.
Marino also mentioned that Falcons GM Terry Fontenot has also been collecting information on LSU’s Jayden Daniels as a potential backup plan if Maye isn’t available.
Being that the Falcons are far from the only team interested in adding a young QB to their depth chart this offseason, Atlanta may run into roadblocks when trying to trade up for a highly-touted prospect.
