5 Quarterbacks who could save the Atlanta Falcons next season
By Nick Halden
The Atlanta Falcons are headed into the pre-season with Marcus Mariota penciled in as their starting quarterback. Rookie Desmond Ridder will likely be given a chance to win the starting job and allow the Falcons to evaluate whether or not he is the future of the franchise.
Even at his best Mariota isn’t going to push the Atlanta Falcons back into playoff contention. Atlanta is likely going to be in the quarterback market next off-season unless Ridder proves to be the answer.
With a high draft pick and cap flexibility, Atlanta cannot afford to be passive about the most important position on the field. They will find out what they have in Ridder this season while giving Mariota a chance to rebuild his value.
Ridder has a lot of potential but there are reasons to wonder about his ability to get to the second and third reads at the next level. The ability is certainly there but Atlanta has to evaluate how much of that ability can translate this season.
If the Falcons don’t believe Ridder is going to be the answer as they make moves to contend in the 2023 season there are clear targets at the position for Atlanta. With plenty of cap space to pay a quarterback here are Atlanta’s five best options next off-season if Desmond Ridder isn’t the answer.