We know that Arthur Blank wanted to hire Bill Belichick to be the Falcons head coach but ultimately went with Raheem Morris. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer noted that some around the longtime Falcons owner swayed him.
There were clearly going to be some big changes if Belichick came to Atlanta. CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones noted an organizational “ground shake” would have taken place. It’s clear that Rich McKay’s words weigh heavy in the mind of Blank.
One of the primary reasons that Atlanta’s owner was infatuated with the idea of hiring the greatest coach of all time was to maximize their chances of winning in the immediate future. Had the Falcons hired Bill Belichick, the club would’ve sought a veteran quarterback to immediately try to compete in 2024.
With Raheem Morris in the picture, that’s no longer the case. However, what the Falcons do at the quarterback position this offseason will depend on what Arthur Blank wants.
The Falcons gave Raheem Morris a five-year contract, according to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter. But even beyond the term of the deal, the hire pants a longer-term picture than a Bill Belichick hire, who would’ve given the Falcons a few seasons at most. Despite Arthur Blank wanting to win immediately, making decisions from a place of desperation is a recipe for disaster.
He seemingly made the correct decision at the head coaching position, as of right now, but that trend must continue when it comes to the quarterback decision that is looming this offseason.
The Falcons could still go after a veteran to give them the best chance at winning in 2024, or they could invest in a younger option in hopes he can become the franchise quarterback. There are downsides to both.
If Blank forces Terry Fontenot and Raheem Morris to go the veteran route, Kirk Cousins is by far the best readily available option. He would give the Falcons stability at the position they haven’t had since Matt Ryan. However, the long-term viability of that strategy isn’t ideal at 35 years old.
On the flip side, acquiring a younger talent with more upside like Justin Fields could satisfy the long-term need while limiting the team’s ability to compete in 2024. The Falcons have a difficult decision ahead of them.
A combination of a stopgap veteran and a longer-term option should be the approach. {airing a veteran free agent like Kirk Cousins with a draftee like J.J. McCarthy seems ideal, but it might not be possible.
Cousins could sign an extension with the Vikings. Baker Mayfield is younger and could prove to be the most competent option without sacrificing too much in the long term, but he is also expected to sign a new deal with the Buccaneers.
Russell Wilson and Justin Fields may be the only somewhat enticing options on the pro personnel side of things. The Falcons can go in various directions at the position, but a lot depends on what Arthur Blank wants, which should be what’s best for the franchise. Seems simple but the club’s owner has meddled in football operations before, and it didn’t turn out as a net positive
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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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