The Falcons are in a position they haven’t been in for a long time — the NFC playoff picture.
Atlanta sits atop their division with a stranglehold on the NFC South, owning a perfect 3-0 record with the opportunity to separate themselves even further from the pack against the Buccaneers this Sunday.
It would mark the first time the Falcons have played in a playoff game since 2017 and the first postseason game in Atlanta since 2016. Unfortunately, it could come with some unintended consequences.
I’m afraid that Desmond Ridder’s job in 2024 could hinge on a Falcons postseason berth. Hopefully, that’s not the case. I’ve seen enough to feel strongly that the club should be in the market for a quarterback this offseason.
Whether that’s through free agency or the draft, Terry Fontenot and Arthur Smith need to invest heavily in the position. It doesn’t matter if it’s draft capital or cap space, there has to be more than just a third-round pick or a $14 million backup.
My preference would be Kirk Cousins, Jayden Daniels, or one of the quarterbacks on a team in a position to land one of Caleb Williams or Drake Maye. That really only comes down to two teams — the Bears and Cardinals.
That’s exactly what Chris Trapasso of CBS has Atlanta doing in his latest mock draft.
Falcons get: QB Justin Fields, 2025 fifth-round pick
Bears get: No. 53 overall (second-round pick), a conditional 2025 third-round pick that becomes a second-round pick if Fields plays 75% of the 2024 snaps, and WR Scott Miller
Two second-round picks is a bit rich for my blood because Chicago will have no leverage if they make it known they’re in the draft for a quarterback. Fields hasn’t developed as many had hoped, but I’d chalk that up mostly to circumstances. However, he’s certainly more talented than Desmond Ridder.
With their first-round pick, the Falcons land a future star right tackle from the football factory right down the road in Athens. Trapasso has Atlanta drafting Amarius Mims with the 19th pick.
With Justin Fields in the mix, the Falcons go back to the offensive side of the ball in Round 1. Mims has monstrous upside and can eventually replace Kaleb McGary at right tackle.
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