1. Desmond Ridder
The Atlanta Falcons traded Desmond Ridder to the Arizona Cardinal in the 2024 offseason. The move made sense with Ridder needing a fresh start and the Falcons having zero reason to keep the quarterback on the roster. Ridder's fresh start would go wrong from the start with the quarterback unable to win the backup job behind Kyler Murray. Ridder was relegated to the practice squad and would spend the next few weeks in this position.
When injury left the Raiders no choice but to make a desperation move at quarterback, Ridder was given a second chance. Las Vegas gave the quarterback a chance to start, and the results were worse than expected. Every flaw Atlanta watched during Ridder's time with the Falcons was even more pronounced.
A big piece of this is likely due to the lack of reps and the fact the Raiders' roster has very little talent. Still, Ridder regressed and that is concerning when you look at just how awful things were in the 2023 season with the Falcons. It is easy to feel sorry for a quarterback who always said the right things and carried himself well. Ridder's NFL career appears to be very close to over.
2. Scotty Miller
Miller was Atlanta's 2023 version of Ray-Ray McCloud. The receiver was supposed to be a consistent deep threat that would put pressure on the defense with his speed and ability to get lost in the coverage. Miller's one season in Atlanta wasn't great but his production would be nearly cut in half after following former Atlanta head coach Arthur Smith to the Steelers.
Miller's career is a great example of what having an elite quarterback can do for your career. If not for Tom Brady it is easy to argue Miller would be out of the league completely. It was Brady's deep balls to Miller in key situations that allowed him to become a name fans recognize.
The receiver's best moments and seasons all came working with Brady. In the time since he has bounced around the league and the production has continued to regress. If his career is going to continue the veteran must find a way to land with a quarterback capable of elevating his talent. Pittsburgh was a bad choice considering the results with Arthur Smith in Atlanta. Things took a bigger step back in the 2024 season and it is fair to wonder what market is left for the veteran.
3. Cordarrelle Patterson
Arthur Smith must be a truly lovable head coach off the field for so many former Falcons to have followed him to Pittsburgh. It cannot be for the offensive results which weren't there for any of the players that opted to follow Smith to the Steelers. The most shocking player to follow Smith was utility weapon Patterson. The return man had become an elite weapon for the Falcons in both the run and pass game lining up in a myriad of roles.
While this was all under Smith the final season in Atlanta was a huge step back for Patterson. He was phased out of the offense and not given the chance of seasons past. Still, this didn't stop a surprise reunion with the Steelers. Yet again Patterson took a step back and wasn't given the chance to impact the game as he had his first two seasons in Atlanta.
Whether it is age or lack of chances can be debated. Whatever the reasoning might be it is interesting to see where the veteran goes from here and whether or not the Falcons might consider a reunion to add offensive depth. For a player loved in Atlanta, it would make sense for both sides.