Everyone knows the Falcons’ biggest offseason need — a new quarterback.

There might be a few contrarians who believe Zac Robinson and Raheem Morris can salvage Desmond Ridder’s career, but for those of us who are living on earth, it’s the single most pressing issue for the franchise today, and the team’s general manager and owner are aware of the situation.

“Yeah, we won’t close any doors, Steve. You’re right, that’s the top priority for us this offseason,” Terry Fontenot told Steve Wyche. “We’re not going to close any doors, be it trades, free agency, the draft. We’ll make sure we keep an open mind there, and we are going to attack it and get it right.”

“It’s very clear to everybody — all of our fans, all of you, anybody throughout the NFL — is that this is a position that we need to figure out how we’re going to get better in 2024 and beyond that as well, whether that be trades, free agency, the draft, whatever it may be,” Arthur Blank said. 

Beyond the signal caller, though, I believe the next two needs that must be addressed this offseason are an edge rusher and a wide receiver. In my opinion, the former is more of an issue because it seems much more difficult in today’s NFL to find a dominant pass rusher compared to a dominant wide receiver.

Luckily, the Falcons have a ton of options to fill the void. From free agents to draft prospects, even trade targets, the edge defender market is robust.

Free Agents

Danielle Hunter, Josh Allen, Brian Burns, Bryce Huff, Chase Young, Jonathan Greenard, Jadeveon Clowney, Za’Darius Smith, Josh Uche, Leonard Floyd, Andrew Van Ginkel, Denico Autry, Carl Lawson, Derek Barnett, Marcus Davenport

This might be one of the most loaded free agent classes I can remember. There’s a flavor of ice cream for everyone. Whether you want to break the bank for a premier pass rusher like Hunter, Allen, and Burns or bring in a veteran on a mercenary-type deal like Clowney and Smith, there’s a free agent for everyone.

The Falcons might not be able to sign some of these free agents because they’re franchise tag candidates, but there’s no reason for them not to come away with at least one of these players.

Draft Prospects

Dallas Turner, Jared Verse, Laiatu Latu, Chris Braswell, Bralen Trice, Jonah Elliss, Chop Robinson, Adisa Issac

The Falcons could choose to go this route, and it wouldn’t bother me one bit. Once again, there’s a flavor for everyone. Turner is ultra-athletic, Latu is technical, and Robinson is a raw product that’s a ball of clay waiting to be molded. Or how about Kaden Elliss’ brother, Jonah? The first three very well could be in play for the Falcons’ first-round pick.

Trade Targets

Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, Haason Reddick

The trade market isn’t nearly as robust as the draft or free agency, but all together, this is by far the widest breadth of talent expected to be available in an offseason. The Falcons would be fools not to come away with at least one or two of these trade targets, draft prospects, or free agents.

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Photographer: Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire