Every Falcons fan has weighed in on what they think the club should do to address the quarterback woes in Atlanta. Many of them are split on the most popular options in Justin Fields and Kirk Cousins.
Both options have very obvious upsides and downsides.
Fields hasn’t developed much in three years, which is concerning. His fifth-year option and looming contract extension are also negatives. However, his ceiling is incredibly attractive. The hope is the support system in Atlanta, which he’s never had in Chicago, will help him realize his full potential.
Cousins, on the other hand, would help the Falcons compete in 2024, something Fields might not be able to do. Atlanta would likely become the favorites to come out of the NFC South with Cousins at the helm. However, he’s going to be 36 years old and would be a short-term solution.
The best of both worlds would be something in the middle, but that may not exist. The best case scenario would obviously be finding a rookie quarterback to build around, but that may not net immediate success.
Josh Kendall of The Athletic believes the answer lies in the draft, specifically Jayden Daniels, who the Atlanta beat writer has going third overall, meaning the club had to trade up.
3. Atlanta Falcons (from New England): Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Trade: Falcons send No. 8, No. 43 and a 2025 first-round pick to Patriots for No. 3
The Falcons tried the patience game at quarterback last time, drafting Desmond Ridder in the third round and convincing themselves that would work. It didn’t. Owner Arthur Blank and CEO Rich McKay say they think this team can win now with a good quarterback. If that’s the case, waiting at No. 8 and leaving the draft telling everyone that you wanted J.J. McCarthy all along is not going to work. The dynamic Daniels is worth the price because of what The Athletic’s Dane Brugler wrote in his most recent Big Board: “Daniels forces opponents to defend him like Lamar Jackson.” — Josh Kendall
I like the work Kendall does, but two first-round picks and a second-rounder is a laughable trade offer. The Patriots wouldn’t dignify Terry Fontenot with a response.
For the Falcons to move up the draft board to one of the first three selections, it’ll take a Godfather offer — one that the Bears, Commanders, or Patriots cannot refuse.
A couple of first-rounders might get the conversation started, but it wouldn’t get any deal done.
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Photographer: John Korduner/Icon Sportswire
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