Grading the Atlanta Falcons major offseason moves this year

Sign Marcus Mariota to 2 years, $18.75 million

This is another one of those moves for the Falcons that will have little repercussion if it does not end up working out. Mariota is extremely talented and potentially could become the Falcons’ regular starter for years to come. His contract barely counts against the cap, if Atlanta can turn him into a good starting quarterback, this will be a steal.

Grade: A-

Draft Desmond Ridder with the 74th overall pick

Atlanta has taken little risk when it comes to finding their next quarterback, as previously stated if Mariota does not work out then there is little consequence, same with Ridder, at worst the Falcons have a solid backup option while he also has the potential to become a franchise quarterback.

You just cannot hate on these two moves, the Falcons were smart to wait on taking a quarterback and they might have found their franchise guy in the third round. Perfect planning by the front office and coaching staff.

Grade: A+

Trade Matt Ryan for a third-round pick

For all of the love given to the Falcons with the past two moves, this is where that ends. Trading Matt Ryan, a franchise quarterback and probably the best player in the franchise’s history, for a third-round pick is simply ridiculous.

Sure, they can say how they were more concerned about sending him to where he chooses, but it still feels like they could have gotten much more than a lowly third-round pick that ended up being used on a prospect known as a situational pass rusher. It simply just feels like the front office was being lazy.

Grade: D