This offseason, an analyst predicts the Falcons will sign a former Pro Bowl quarterback and draft another.
The Atlanta Falcons have already seen significant change during this offseason. But according to ESPN reporter Michael Rothstein, the team will be involved in the NFL Draft in April and the free-agent market, so the turmoil at the quarterback position will likely continue.
The Falcons need a starter for 2024, first and foremost. Rothstein believes Russell Wilson would be a good fit in that regard. Although Wilson’s $242 million contract has five seasons left, many predict that the Denver Broncos will cut Wilson in March.
“The Falcons learned this season what below-average quarterback play can do to a franchise’s playoff hopes,” Rothstein stated. “Owner Arthur Blank and CEO Rich McKay made it clear the plan is to win with this roster, and Wilson is the best option out there and has the most experience.”
For Wilson, Rothstein envisions a fully loaded three-year contract worth $36 million plus incentives. He’s still under contract with the Broncos, so it’s hard to say what he could demand in free agency. But this offer seems reasonable, and it might be enough to lure him in given the prospect of working with a young core that includes tight end Kyle Pitts, wide receiver Drake London, and running back Bijan Robinson.
Whether Wilson is the right quarterback for the Falcons is debatable. He may still be 35 years old, but not everyone may be interested in what he has to offer. Wilson goes “schoolyard” too much, according to former All-Pro Chad Brown, which could hinder the development of a young offense.
After signing Wilson, Rothstein thinks the Falcons will select Oregon’s Bo Nix in the third round as a possible franchise quarterback.
“With Wilson signed as the locked-in starter for anywhere from one to three seasons, Nix can be developed,” Rothstein stated.
After a subpar performance at this year’s Senior Bowl practices, Nix’s draft stock may be declining, according to Yardbarker’s Pierce Downey. The fact that he has missed routine throws and appears “physically and mentally sluggish” in comparison to the other quarterbacks on the field may make teams reconsider their decision to select him, including the Falcons.
Under new head coach Raheem Morris, the Falcons will choose a QB, but offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, whom the team officially hired on January 27, will lead the offense.
Robinson has only coached in the NFL for three seasons; the most recent position he held was that of quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams. Nonetheless, the Sean McVay coaching tree, which is well-known for its work with quarterbacks, strongly recommends him.
It seems like a good offensive strategy for the Falcons to give Robinson a veteran like Wilson to rely on while Nix or someone else is waiting in the wings. It’s debatable if Wilson is a sufficient improvement to send the team back to the postseason for the first time since 2017. But it’s obvious that the Falcons’ quarterback position will change.
