Baker Mayfield should be given a chance with the Atlanta Falcons

After the Deshaun Watson debacle happened this off-season the Atlanta Falcons waited only hours to find another answer signing quarterback Marcus Mariota. The move was questionable considering the quarterbacks still on the trade market at the time and the fact Atlanta still has a draft pick within the top ten.

Despite signing Mariota the Falcons should still have a level of interest in drafting a quarterback or targeting one of the top quarterbacks left on the trade market. Kyler Murray is one name that has been floated around as a potential fit if he demands his way out of Arizona. Another potential fit could be current Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield.

With Deshaun Watson locked in as the starter Mayfield will eventually be dealt or released. The Falcons are one of the few teams in the league that could give him the chance to win the starting job. If they aren’t sold on any of the quarterbacks in the draft and Murray stays with the Cardinals, Baker is the best option left for the Falcons.

Coming off of his worst season in the league on a team committed to another starter Baker is going to be motivated to prove he is a franchise quarterback. Considering he survived the dysfunction in Cleveland as long as he did and took them to the playoffs along the way there is plenty of reason to think he is still capable of being a starting quarterback in this league.

While he lacks Mariota’s ability to scramble he is a superior passer and brings a swagger and energy that has helped make him a household name. Baker to Atlanta is a long shot but it is a move the Falcons should be considering at the very least.

The Browns are going to have to take a large portion of Baker’s salary in any potential trade considering how little leverage they have. Atlanta should offer them a late-round pick for Baker hoping he can come in and win the starting job, proving himself to be an answer beyond just one season.