Atlanta Falcons will add another quarterback to the roster in 2024

Atlanta Falcons will add another quarterback to the roster in 2024

Sports Illustrated’s Daniel Flick reported that General Manager Terry Fontenot has plans to add another quarterback to the roster in 2024, which shouldn’t be surprising. In today’s NFL, three quarterbacks on the roster should be the minimum, given how much is asked from the position and how integral passing is in today’s game.

The question lies in where that third quarterback will be coming from. Fontenot has called this year’s draft-eligible quarterbacks a “really good group.”

“It’s a strong draft overall, the quarterback position is strong, and you have some different types, too. Guys that do it different ways, but it’s a really good group. So it’s very, very exciting.”

There are plenty of flavors of quarterback to choose from, but it’s all about what Fontenot and company are looking for behind starter Kirk Cousins and backup Taylor Heinicke. For reference, here are the top quarterbacks in this year’s draft, their age at the beginning of this season and their current draft projection:

Player

Age at Kickoff (September 5th, 2024)

Draft Projection

Caleb Williams

22 years, 9 months, 19 days

Top Ten

Jayden Daniels

23 years, 8 months, 29 days

Top Ten

Drake Maye

22 years, 17 days

Top Ten

J.J. McCarthy

21 years, 7 months, 17 days

Top Ten

Michael Penix

24 years, 3 months, 29 days

Mid Day 1 to Mid Day 2

Bo Nix

24 years, 6 months, 12 days

Late Day 1 to Mid Day 2

Spencer Rattler

23 years, 11 months, 9 days

Mid Day 2

Michael Pratt

22 years, 11 months, 7 days

Early to Mid Day 3

Jordan Travis

24 years, 4 months, 4 days

Mid to Late Day 3

Joe Milton

24 years, 6 months

Mid to Late Day 3

Sam Hartman

25 years, 1 month, 8 days

Late Day 3 to UDFA

Austin Reed

24 years, 6 months, 15 days

Late Day 3 to UDFA

Taulia Tagovailoa

24 years, 6 months, 11 days

Late Day 3 to UDFA

Carter Bradley

24 years, 5 months, 28 days

UDFA

Kedon Slovis

23 years, 4 months, 26 days

UDFA

Devin Leary

24 years, 11 months, 27 days

UDFA

Kurtis Rourke

23 years, 10 months, 12 days

UDFA

Tanner Mordecai

24 years, 9 months, 29 days

UDFA

Brennan Armstrong

24 years, 10 months, 19 days

UDFA

Atlanta could take a chance at one of the top four quarterbacks, as asinine as that may sound given the Kirk Cousins deal, it is an option. They take an opportunity to find their franchise guy in Michael Penix, Jr. or Bo Nix. Or they could find a project in guys like Spencer Rattler, Michael Pratt or even Joe Milton.

Fontenot also said that they haven’t ruled out finding a quarterback before or after the draft. So, here are the quarterbacks that are still available in free agency:

Player

Age

FA Status

Feleipe Franks

27

RFA (Atlanta)

Jacob Eason

27

ERFA (NYG)

Logan Woodside

29

UFA

P.J. Walker

29

UFA

Trevor Siemian

33

UFA

A.J. McCarron

34

SFA

Matt Barkley

34

UFA

Blaine Gabbert

35

UFA

Brian Hoyer

39

SFA

Teddy Bridgewater

32

UFA

Logan Thomas

33

SFA (Washington)

Ryan Tannehill

36

UFA

While these options may seem underwhelming, there is the knowledge of knowing what you’re getting from each quarterback. Regardless, these names have the best chance of becoming Falcons in the coming weeks.

Atlanta’s quarterback room has been devoid of talent since Matt Ryan’s departure before the start of the 2022 NFL season. The lack of continuity and a secure plan for the position led to the end of Arthur Smith’s tenure and has led to spending a bit to secure some stability this offseason.

Now, that they are taking the position seriously, it will be interesting to see what direction Atlanta takes in the coming weeks.