The Falcons have completed the crucial tasks of securing their head coach and offensive coordinator, but they now face their most significant offseason challenge.
Among the Falcons’ top three priorities for the offseason were the selection of the right head coach and the acquisition of a suitable offensive coordinator. However, none of these tasks outweigh the importance of finding the right quarterback. Until the Falcons address this crucial position, the identity of their coaching staff becomes inconsequential. The case of Desmond Ridder serves as a prime example of how subpar performance from a team’s quarterback can lead to disappointing outcomes.
Instances of teams successfully overcoming poor quarterback play are rare. Such situations often require exceptional talent in other areas of the roster, as demonstrated by Trent Dilfer and the Ravens. Given that the NFL is primarily driven by quarterbacks, the Falcons find themselves lacking in this critical department.
It is imperative to focus all efforts on obtaining the best available signal caller, whether that means pursuing short-term or long-term solutions. The range of options, which seemed abundant a couple of months ago, has now diminished.
Towards the end of the season, there was a possibility that the Falcons could trade up to acquire promising quarterbacks like Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, or Jayden Daniels from teams such as the Chargers, Cardinals, or others with established quarterbacks. Additionally, the Falcons appeared capable of exploring free agency for players like Baker Mayfield or Kirk Cousins. However, recent developments suggest that both Mayfield and Cousins may re-sign with their respective teams.
While the road ahead may present challenges for the Falcons, Bleacher Report believes that a trade for Justin Fields could propel them into contender status. This trade would not only position them as playoff contenders but also elevate them to the level of Super Bowl contenders.
Atlanta Falcons Trade Proposal: Acquiring QB Justin Fields to Propel Super Bowl Contention
In a potential trade scenario, the Atlanta Falcons would receive quarterback Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears in exchange for their 2024 second-round draft pick, specifically pick No. 43 overall.
Over the past three years, the Falcons have diligently built an offensive lineup filled with promising skill-position prospects. However, the team has struggled to find a quarterback who can fully unlock the unit’s immense potential. This deficiency in passing talent has resulted in three consecutive 7-10 seasons without a playoff appearance.
It is now time for the Falcons to take a risk on a quarterback whose potential matches that of players like Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and Bijan Robinson.
While Atlanta could explore quarterback options through the draft, their choices will be limited with the No. 8 overall pick. Prominent prospects such as Caleb Williams and Drake Maye, who are ranked as the top quarterbacks by the B/R Scouting Department, are likely to be off the board before the Falcons’ turn.
Jayden Daniels, ranked as the B/R Scouting Department’s third-best quarterback, would be a gamble to still be available without trading up, which would require a significant amount of draft capital. With lower-tier quarterback prospects underperforming at the Senior Bowl, pursuing a trade for Justin Fields appears to be the Falcons’ best option for a quick turnaround.
Fields, who is 24 years old, faced a challenging start to his highly anticipated 2023 season but regained his form in the latter half of the year. While this resurgence makes the decision more difficult, Atlanta could benefit if the Bears ultimately decide to select a quarterback with a high pick in the upcoming draft.
Offering their second-round pick would likely be sufficient to secure this trade. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell suggested that the Falcons could offer pick No. 48, which they would receive if Calvin Ridley remains with the Jacksonville Jaguars on a contract extension. Alternatively, they could propose a package involving a pair of third-round picks.
Considering the Falcons’ investment as the No. 11 overall pick in the 2021 draft, the return may seem modest, especially when considering that the Bears traded up and surrendered an additional first-rounder to acquire Fields. Nevertheless, this trade would provide both Chicago and Atlanta with a fresh start that they desperately need.
If Fields fulfills his potential while playing alongside a stacked supporting cast, the Falcons could emerge as a sleeper Super Bowl contender in the wide-open NFC South.
I have reconsidered the idea of trading for Justin Fields due to several reasons. Firstly, the cost associated with acquiring him and his contract situation are both drawbacks. Offering a second-round pick for potentially just one year of service is not enticing. Additionally, the decision regarding his fifth-year option needs to be made this offseason, which poses a significant dilemma for a team like the Falcons that lacks data on his performance in Atlanta.
However, what concerns me even more than the aforementioned factors is the fit between Fields and Zac Robinson’s offensive system. When we examine the past quarterbacks in Robinson’s expected system, such as Kirk Cousins, Matt Ryan, Brock Purdy, Matthew Stafford, and Jared Goff, it becomes evident that Fields may not align with the preferred quarterback prototype.
Success in these offensive systems is often associated with playing with precise timing, anticipation, and, above all, accuracy. It is not to say that Justin Fields is incapable of executing these aspects, but he has not consistently demonstrated them during his three years with the Bears.
Furthermore, asking a supremely athletic quarterback like Fields to primarily remain in the pocket would not fully utilize his abilities. My main concern could potentially be addressed if Zac Robinson assures Raheem Morris, Terry Fontenot, and the Falcons that he can tailor the offense to suit Fields’ skill set.
Until such assurances are given, I believe it would be best to pass on the trade. Even if a trade were to materialize, it would not automatically elevate the Falcons to Super Bowl contention, contrary to the belief expressed by Bleacher Report.
