The first domino of the offseason fell Thursday night when the Falcons announced the hiring of Raheem Morris. It’s not the sexy hire that many Falcons fans were hoping for, but flashy hires aren’t always what is best for the organization. Morris was up there with the most qualified candidates this hiring cycle. He should be able to put together an outstanding staff around him and attract free agents. However, by far the biggest challenge Morris and the Falcons will face this offseason is finding a quarterback.
For all of his warts, Arthur Smith was working with below-average quarterback play every season in Atlanta. It is partly his fault for Desmond Ridder even getting an opportunity, but not many coaches in league history could’ve succeeded with Ridder.
Smith never got the chance to see this roster with a decent signal caller, but the next head coach absolutely must; it’s a non-negotiable. The only question is which direction the Falcons will go at the position.
The options in the draft and free agency aren’t as robust as initially thought. The Falcons aren’t likely to have a shot at Caleb Williams, Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels. Selecting J.J. McCarthy, Bo Nix, or Michael Penix Jr with the 8th pick would be an egregious overdraft.
Free agency-wise, the options may be even less appealing. Other than Baker Mayfield and Kirk Cousins, the available quarterbacks are uninspiring — Ryan Tannehill, Russell Wilson, etc.
The trade market may be the best route. For Raheem Morris, Justin Fields could present an intriguing option. Another name that hasn’t been brought up much that was earlier this week is Dak Prescott.
On ESPN’s Get Up, Mike Greenberg presented a scenario in which Prescott forces his way out of Dallas, presumably because of how difficult and unfair it is to play for Jerry Jones and the Cowboys, adding that nobody in the history of the NFL has had more leverage than Dak Prescott.
Prescott has a $59.5 million cap hit in 2024, which the Cowboys will want to lower. He’s entering the final year of his contract, is unable to be franchise tagged in 2025, and has final authority on all trades. He certainly does hold a lot of leverage.
When asked who should inquire, Jeff Saturday said he believes it should be the Falcons. Saturday noted Atlanta’s defense is much improved, the offense is filled with unrealized potential, and the team sits in arguably the worst division in the league.
Obviously, the Cowboys would be fools to trade Dak Prescott, and the quarterback seems satisfied in Dallas. The noise surrounding the team is just that, noise. It’s what comes with the territory of playing for Jerry Jones.
However, if Arthur Blank’s phone rang, the Falcons should absolutely listen. Prescott is a top 10 quarterback, garnered MVP consideration this season, and would be a vast improvement to what Atlanta has had at quarterback over the last three seasons.
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