The Atlanta Falcons messed up their 2023 season because of their complacency at the quarterback position. They had belief in Desmond Ridder, which is fine, but they didn't have a good backup plan for Ridder.
Due to that, they have wasted another season. The same cannot happen in 2024. Finding a quarterback will be the team's number one priority.
Here are some names we could see join the Falcons in 2024.
1. Kirk Cousins
The hype around soon-to-be free agent Kirk Cousins has died down a little bit. The veteran quarterback was lighting up the NFL before his injury and now no one knows what his future holds.
While he will likely stay in Minnesota, another team could swoop in and offer him a large contract if he were to make it to the legal tampering period. One of those teams could be the Atlanta Falcons.
While I don't think he is the best choice, he is still an excellent quarterback who can be plugged right into this talented offense and produce. He would easily make the Falcons a playoff contender.
2. Michael Penix Jr.
If I could choose any quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons to add this offseason, it would be Michael Penix Jr.
Penix has taken the Washington Huskies to the biggest stage in college sports and that cannot be overlooked. While it isn't an apples-to-apples comparison, it is something that Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, Bo Nix, and anyone not named 'J.J. McCarthy' haven't.
His arm is special, his legs are good and were underutilized, he doesn't take sacks, he has as much experience as anyone, and he is going to be a great quarterback—hopefully, for the Falcons.
The only thing that will give you pause is his extensive injury history.
3. Russell Wilson
Russell Wilson only has a few months left in Denver. The Broncos are going to move on from him before free agency and look elsewhere for a franchise quarterback.
Wilson wasn't that bad this season. He is still a Super Bowl-winning quarterback and can still throw the prettiest deep ball in the NFL. There is a lot to like about having him as your starting quarterback.
If Arthur Smith returns, Russell Wilson should be the Falcons' top target in free agency. He would be a great fit for Smith's scheme.
4. Jayden Daniels
If you are looking for an exciting offense, then you will want Jayden Daniels as your quarterback. The Atlanta Falcons could stick it to many Saints fans by drafting the LSU quarterback. I couldn't think of anything better than beating the Saints with an LSU QB.
Daniels has all the talent you could ask for. He can sling the ball, has good size, and has rare speed. There is a reason he just won the Heisman trophy.
With so many great prospects at the quarterback position, the Falcons should be able to land Daniels. They may need to trade up for Daniels but they won't need to mimic the Panthers and acquire the first-overall pick.
5. Bo Nix
Bo Nix has been lost in the shuffle in the upcoming NFL Draft. Don't forget that he was one of the finalists for the Heisman trophy and he put up some incredible numbers during his final year at Oregon.
Much like Penix, Nix has been around the block. He started his career at Auburn and then transferred to Oregon for two seasons. His second season was his breakout as he threw 45 touchdowns to just three interceptions and nearly completed 80% of his passes.
From a numbers standpoint, he is as good as it gets. The issue is his average size and overall underwhelming play during his career at Oregon and Auburn.
Nevertheless, taking a chance on him could end up paying off in a big way.