It is already been an offseason of large change for the Atlanta Falcons. Nevertheless, ESPN reporter Michael Rothstein believes the upheaval will proceed on the quarterback place, the place he predicts the franchise can be lively on the free-agent market and in April’s NFL Draft.
First issues first, the Falcons want a starter for 2024. In that regard, Rothstein sees Russell Wilson as a doable match. Wilson nonetheless has 5 seasons remaining on a $242 million contract, however many consider the Denver Broncos will lower him in March.
“The Falcons discovered this season what below-average quarterback play can do to a franchise’s playoff hopes,” Rothstein mentioned. “Proprietor Arthur Clean and CEO Wealthy McKay made it clear the plan is to win with this roster, and Wilson is the most suitable choice on the market and has probably the most expertise.”
Rothstein imagines a front-loaded three-year deal price $36 million plus incentives for Wilson. Since he is nonetheless beneath contract with the Broncos, what he may ask for on the open market is unsure. Nevertheless, this supply appears truthful and the considered working alongside a younger nucleus of working again Bijan Robinson, wideout Drake London and tight finish Kyle Pitts may be engaging sufficient.
It is debatable whether or not Wilson is the perfect QB for the Falcons. At 35, he nonetheless has one thing left within the tank, however what he brings won’t be what everybody needs. Former All-Professional Chad Brown just lately mentioned Wilson goes “schoolyard” an excessive amount of, which may gradual the progress of an inexperienced offense.
In the meantime, after inking Wilson, Rothstein believes the Falcons will draft a possible future franchise QB, grabbing Oregon’s Bo Nix within the third spherical.
“With Wilson signed because the locked-in starter for anyplace from one to a few seasons, Nix could be developed,” Rothstein mentioned.
In response to Yardbarker’s Pierce Downey, Nix’s draft inventory may be on a downward trend following a poor exhibiting at this 12 months’s Senior Bowl practices. He is missed routine throws and appeared “bodily and mentally sluggish” in comparison with the opposite QBs on the sphere, which may have groups, together with the Falcons, pondering twice about choosing him.
No matter route the Falcons resolve to go at QB beneath new head coach Raheem Morris, the offense will take route from offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, who the franchise formally introduced aboard on Jan. 27.
Robinson is inexperienced, having solely coached within the NFL for 3 seasons, most just lately serving as passing sport coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the Los Angeles Rams. Nevertheless, he comes extremely really helpful from the Sean McVay teaching tree, identified for his work with QBs.
Giving Robinson a veteran like Wilson to lean on whereas Nix, or another person, waits within the wings looks as if a strong plan of assault for the Falcons. Whether or not or not Wilson is sufficient of an improve to get the group again into the postseason for the primary time since 2017 is up for debate. Although, clearly, change is coming at QB for the Falcons.