The Falcons will focus their offseason efforts on finding a quarterback.
While there are undoubtedly other issues to be resolved, such as the fifth-year option for Kyle Pitts, A.J. Terrell’s deal, and other roster requirements, Atlanta’s chances for 2024 rest on resolving the quarterback position.
The Falcons’ issues lack a clear solution, which is the only issue. Arthur Smith was not fired by Arthur Blank to rebuild. The owner of the company plans to compete in 2024, regardless of the actions taken by the incoming administration in that role.
But there’s also an obvious desire to compete this season and figure out the long-term solution. The next quarterback for the team cannot simply be a two-year solution; that is currently how things operate.
What then is the remedy?
If you ask me, double dipping on the quarterback looks to be the most practical option while meeting both the short- and long-term needs. While it is obvious that picking Drake Maye would be ideal, let’s attempt to be at least somewhat realistic.
The Falcons might have to bite the bullet and draft a quarterback in addition to signing a veteran in free agency in order to do both. Strangely enough, the two that make the most sense have comparable skill sets.
J.J. McCarthy was compared to “a better moving Kirk Cousins” by an AFC scout, according to ESPN’s Matt Miller at the start of the 2023 season.
In September, Miller wrote, “McCarthy carves up defenses with touch and timing. He did so Saturday with 22-of-25 passing for 278 yards, two touchdowns, and a QBR of 96.1.” “On my board, he projects as a late first-round pick and is gaining ground on Caleb Williams and Drake Maye in the competition for QB3.”
Kirk Cousins is the most desirable target for a Falcons team that wishes to contend right now, even though he did not make it to the postseason. He has passed for more than 4,000 yards in seven of his last eight healthy years.
Conversely, McCarthy might pick up tips from an experienced player that he can imitate. The Falcons could potentially continue to invest in the future while simultaneously contending for a postseason berth.
