The feeling around the NFL is for the Falcons to come away with one of Kirk Cousins, Baker Mayfield, or Justin Fields, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other options. Obviously, Atlanta would love to find the long-term answer in the draft, but the opportunity may not arise.
Moreover, if Cousins and Mayfield re-sign with their respective teams, the Falcons could be forced to pivot.
That direction could be Fields or potentially a veteran free agent in Russell Wilson, who was just released by the Broncos. Atlanta was named one of the best fits for him by ESPN.
Wilson is coming off a season where he started 15 games, throwing for over 3,000 yards and 26 touchdowns to eight interceptions. In terms of numbers, that’s better than Justin Fields. However, the most attractive part of Wilson’s free agency is the price.
The Broncos are the on hook for nearly $40 million, regardless of whether Wilson plays a snap in the NFL or not. In theory, the Falcons could sign him for the veteran minimum, which would be more than a bargain.
The Falcons would be able to spend cap dollars elsewhere on the roster, while Russell Wilson takes a cheap one-year deal to prove he’s still got some left in the tank while also sticking it to his former team.
It would enable the Falcons to remain flexible at the quarterback position too. It wouldn’t eliminate the club from drafting a long-term solution in 2024.
It could also set them up for a big move in 2025.
The NFL Combine is in the books, and next, it will be free agency for the Falcons. A lot of reports and rumors surfaced from Indianapolis, most of which surrounded Kirk Cousins and Justin Fields, but there were draft nuggets as well.
Drake Maye, who many expect to go second overall to the Commanders, may not have as many suitors as initially thought. Josh Kendall of The Athletic has sources that say Maye’s stock has dropped, and he may end up being the fourth quarterback taken.
“From the beginning of the season, Maye was considered one of the top two quarterback prospects in this year’s draft class along with USC’s Caleb Williams, but Maye’s stock has dropped of late and he could be the fourth quarterback taken in this draft, according to a league source.”
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