After experimenting with Marcus Mariota in 2022 and Desmond Ridder in 2023, the Falcons must get it right at the quarterback position in 2024. It was always going to be tough to follow someone like Matt Ryan, who provided consistent quarterback play for over a decade.
However, if head coach Raheem Morris wants to end this team’s six-year postseason drought, finding the right quarterback is the first step. We’ve examined some different quarterback prospects from the 2024 NFL draft class, but there should be a few decent options available in free agency as well.
CBS Sports recently ranked the top 10 free-agent quarterbacks, listing the best potential fits for each. The top two quarterbacks on CBS Sports’ list — Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield — both had the Falcons listed as possible fits.
Mayfield is set to hit free agency after a bit of a comeback season in 2023 with the Buccaneers. He posted career-best numbers in passing yards (4,044), touchdowns (28), and completion percentage (64.3). Mayfield did this while throwing just 10 interceptions and helping the Bucs secure the NFC South.
Kirk Cousins, on the other hand, will likely want to join a team where the quarterback is that one missing piece. If the Falcons had better QB play last season, they probably would’ve won the NFC South instead of Tampa Bay. Cousins probably doesn’t get as much credit as he deserves for how consistent he’s been throughout his career.
CBS Sports ranked Cousins as their No. 1 free-agent QB, but there is some concern over his recent Achilles tear:
Similar to Matt Ryan when he was in Atlanta, Cousins’ numbers have been rock solid over the past decade. Prior to his injury in 2023, Cousins had eight consecutive seasons with at least 25 touchdown passes, and he threw for over 4,000 yards in seven of those seasons.
There is some risk coming off of an Achilles injury at the age of 35. However, Cousins would immediately help this offense maximize its skill position players.
