Blogging Dirty
FanSided

3 Veterans the Atlanta could sign after the draft

By Nick Halden

Sep 19, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Akiem Hicks (96) reacts after sacking Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (not pictured) during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Akiem Hicks (96) reacts after sacking Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (not pictured) during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Sep 12, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) is hits while throwing the ball by Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (42) in the second quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) is hits while throwing the ball by Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (42) in the second quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Ryan Fitzpatrick

Ryan Fitzpatrick may seem like an odd name to suggest for the Atlanta Falcons but bear with the reasoning for a moment. It seems more and more likely that Atlanta isn’t going to take a swing at the quarterback position in this upcoming draft. The class is thin and if there is an early run at the position Atlanta’s decision will easily be made for them. Outside of Malik Willis there isn’t one clear fit at the position for Atlanta.

This leaves Marcus Mariota as the starter without a backup or any clear competition. While there are better options out there such as Baker Mayfield Atlanta isn’t likely to make a splash after the Deshaun Watson debacle. Fitzpatrick is a veteran who has played for what feels like every team in this league. While he always fails to live up to lofty expectations he thrives as a backup when forced into action finding ways to outgun teams he has no business beating.

While there are some injury concerns his track record is good enough for the Atlanta Falcons to bring him in if they don’t select a quarterback. Fitzpatrick gives Mariota a veteran to lean on and Atlanta a clear upgrade over last year’s backup Josh Rosen.

Home/Falcons Free Agency