The Falcons are riding with Desmond Ridder as the team’s signal caller in 2023, despite the displeasure of so many in the media.
For some reason, there are people that are so desperate to push a narrative that Ridder isn’t the answer that we are in June and talking about quarterback trades.
When Lamar Jackson was franchise tagged, the entire NFL media looked at the Falcons, expecting them to be feverishly putting together a trade package. First off, it was never likely that the Ravens moved the MVP quarterback, despite all of the signs that Atlanta was never interested.
The Falcons even came out and said they weren’t interested, which only angered talking heads even more. The club publically backed Desmond Ridder, and it just doesn’t sit right with some folks.
We are heading for training camp, but the trade narratives are still running. Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report, who is a well respected member of the media, had the bright idea of the Falcons trading for Ryan Tannehill. Moton believes a third-rounder is fair compensation to reunite Arthur Smtih and Tannehill.
If the Falcons acquired Tannehill from the Titans, we shouldn’t be completely shocked because of his history with head coach Arthur Smith, who served as his offensive coordinator between 2019 and 2020.
On the other hand, the Falcons have backed second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder as the starter with their words and actions this offseason.
Before the draft, Smith said the Falcons “expect Desmond to take the next step,” which is a vote of confidence for the young signal-caller who started in four games last season. The club passed on quarterback Will Levis to select running back Bijan Robinson with the eighth overall pick.
However, Smith and the coaching staff will have an entire training camp program and preseason to evaluate Ridder. If the Falcons’ presumed starter comes along slowly in his development, the team may explore other options.
Smith could make a call to Tennessee for Tannehill. He probably wouldn’t have to pry the soon-to-be 35-year-old from the Titans. With new general manager Ran Carthon calling the shots, Tennessee moved up in the second round of the draft for Levis.
The Titans have Tannehill’s potential successor in place. Though head coach Mike Vrabel said the veteran signal-caller would start in the upcoming campaign, Levis could change his mind with a strong showing through the preseason.
Coming off an injury-riddled 2022, throwing for 2,536 yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions in 12 games, Tannehill wouldn’t fetch much in a trade deal, but the Titans can package him with draft capital to get an early-round pick.
In a wide-open NFC South that features Derek Carr as its top quarterback, the Falcons can compete for a division title with a decent offense. Remember, once upon a time, Tannehill won 2019 Comeback Player of the Year under Smith’s tutelage.
Despite the familiarity between the two sides, there is no chance in hell a trade like this goes through. Tannehill had his best seasons under Smith, throwing for 3,819 yards, 33 touchdowns, and seven interceptions while completing 65.5% of his throws in 2020.
With that being said, the continuance of the Falcons in the quarterback market is annoying at this point. I understand having to create content and this topic is low hanging fruit, but enough is enough.
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Photographer: John Byrum/Icon Sportswire
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