Should the Atlanta Falcons have interest in Baker Mayfield?

The Atlanta Falcons appear to be content heading into the season with Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder as their options at the quarterback position. With an improved roster and a tougher schedule, there shouldn’t be any question Atlanta downgraded at the most important position while improving the rest of their position groups.

Matt Ryan is now a member of the Colts roster and the Falcons are stuck searching for a long-term answer. Two quarterbacks remain on the market in Jimmy Garoppolo and Baker Mayfield. Jimmy’s future is very unclear considering the success he had with San Francisco and lingering questions the team may have about Trey Lance.

For Baker Mayfield, however, it isn’t a question of if the quarterback is headed out of Cleveland but when?  Baker is understandably disgruntled after being the first quarterback to push the Browns to the playoffs for the first time in nearly two decades.  Baker followed this up with a disappointing season that saw the quarterback obviously playing through an injury he shouldn’t have.

Baker’s toughness was rewarded by the Browns searching for an “adult” at the quarterback position. The team followed this sentiment by giving away their future for Deshaun Watson who is facing very disturbing allegations. Understandably the bridge with Cleveland is burned to the ground Baker starting the season still on the Browns roster would be shocking.

With limited options remaining it is fair to wonder if the Falcons could have any interest in Baker? Baker is arguably an upgrade over Mariota and would make Atlanta a more interesting team this season.

Despite the possible upgrade, Baker is no longer a fit for Atlanta based on the fact they drafted Desmond Ridder. Though Ridder isn’t expected to start the season he will be on the roster making it highly unlikely Atlanta adds another recognizable name at quarterback. Mariota is on a two-year deal and isn’t an option to be cut before he ever takes a snap and Atlanta is highly unlikely to carry three quarterbacks on the active roster.

Add in the question of how Atlanta would trade for Baker’s contract and it is obvious the Falcons are no longer a fit for the quarterback. As fun as it might be there is simply no path for Baker to end up in an Atlanta Falcons uniform this season.