The Atlanta Falcons have released starting quarterback Marcus Mariota after just one season - which led to rookie Desmond Ridder starting the last few games of the season.
Ridder was taken in the third round of the 2022 draft after an impressive season with Cincinnati in college, but was never truly seen as a starting-calibre quarterback, however he could get his shot this upcoming season.
But this move to release Mariota will only intensify trade talks between the Falcons and former MVP Lamar Jackson, who has been linked to Atlanta after failing to agree a deal with the Baltimore Ravens. The 26-year-old quarterback is now just 15 days away from officially becoming a free agent as he is representing himself without an agent in negotiation.