3 Positions the Atlanta Falcons must improve first this off-season

Aug 27, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Feleipe Franks (15) hands the ball off to running back Caleb Huntley (42) against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 27, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Feleipe Franks (15) hands the ball off to running back Caleb Huntley (42) against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 8, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (4) passes the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (4) passes the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Depth at quarterback

If the Atlanta Falcons are going to build around Desmond Ridder and attempt to follow the blueprint that is having success around the league the backups of years past won’t cut it. You cannot afford to bring in a player like Josh Rosen behind Ridder.  The Falcons need a player they believe can win games if Ridder doesn’t live up to expectations or struggles with injury.

Whether it is Baker Mayfield, Jacoby Brissett, or Minshew the Falcons have plenty of interesting options on the market this off-season. They have the cap space needed to pay a backup a bit more than market value and will make up the difference in all the money they are saving by starting Ridder on a rookie deal.

The Atlanta quarterback should be locked in as the starter with the majority of Atlanta’s attention focused on building a complete roster around him. That should start, however, with finding pass rushers for the defense and adding a backup plan they can rely on and win with if Ridder isn’t the answer Atlanta fans are hoping he is.