Sports Illustrated's Daniel Flick reported that General Manager Terry Fontenot has plans to add another quarterback to the roster in 2024, which shouldn't be surprising. In today's NFL, three quarterbacks on the roster should be the minimum, given how much is asked from the position and how integral passing is in today's game.
The question lies in where that third quarterback will be coming from. Fontenot has called this year's draft-eligible quarterbacks a "really good group."
"It's a strong draft overall, the quarterback position is strong, and you have some different types, too. Guys that do it different ways, but it's a really good group. So it's very, very exciting."
There are plenty of flavors of quarterback to choose from, but it's all about what Fontenot and company are looking for behind starter Kirk Cousins and backup Taylor Heinicke. For reference, here are the top quarterbacks in this year's draft, their age at the beginning of this season and their current draft projection:
| Player | Age at Kickoff (September 5th, 2024) | Draft Projection |
| Caleb Williams | 22 years, 9 months, 19 days | Top Ten |
| Jayden Daniels | 23 years, 8 months, 29 days | Top Ten |
| Drake Maye | 22 years, 17 days | Top Ten |
| J.J. McCarthy | 21 years, 7 months, 17 days | Top Ten |
| Michael Penix | 24 years, 3 months, 29 days | Mid Day 1 to Mid Day 2 |
| Bo Nix | 24 years, 6 months, 12 days | Late Day 1 to Mid Day 2 |
| Spencer Rattler | 23 years, 11 months, 9 days | Mid Day 2 |
| Michael Pratt | 22 years, 11 months, 7 days | Early to Mid Day 3 |
| Jordan Travis | 24 years, 4 months, 4 days | Mid to Late Day 3 |
| Joe Milton | 24 years, 6 months | Mid to Late Day 3 |
| Sam Hartman | 25 years, 1 month, 8 days | Late Day 3 to UDFA |
| Austin Reed | 24 years, 6 months, 15 days | Late Day 3 to UDFA |
| Taulia Tagovailoa | 24 years, 6 months, 11 days | Late Day 3 to UDFA |
| Carter Bradley | 24 years, 5 months, 28 days | UDFA |
| Kedon Slovis | 23 years, 4 months, 26 days | UDFA |
| Devin Leary | 24 years, 11 months, 27 days | UDFA |
| Kurtis Rourke | 23 years, 10 months, 12 days | UDFA |
| Tanner Mordecai | 24 years, 9 months, 29 days | UDFA |
| Brennan Armstrong | 24 years, 10 months, 19 days | UDFA |
Atlanta could take a chance at one of the top four quarterbacks, as asinine as that may sound given the Kirk Cousins deal, it is an option. They take an opportunity to find their franchise guy in Michael Penix, Jr. or Bo Nix. Or they could find a project in guys like Spencer Rattler, Michael Pratt or even Joe Milton.
Fontenot also said that they haven't ruled out finding a quarterback before or after the draft. So, here are the quarterbacks that are still available in free agency:
| Player | Age | FA Status |
| Feleipe Franks | 27 | RFA (Atlanta) |
| Jacob Eason | 27 | ERFA (NYG) |
| Logan Woodside | 29 | UFA |
| P.J. Walker | 29 | UFA |
| Trevor Siemian | 33 | UFA |
| A.J. McCarron | 34 | SFA |
| Matt Barkley | 34 | UFA |
| Blaine Gabbert | 35 | UFA |
| Brian Hoyer | 39 | SFA |
| Teddy Bridgewater | 32 | UFA |
| Logan Thomas | 33 | SFA (Washington) |
| Ryan Tannehill | 36 | UFA |
While these options may seem underwhelming, there is the knowledge of knowing what you're getting from each quarterback. Regardless, these names have the best chance of becoming Falcons in the coming weeks.
Atlanta's quarterback room has been devoid of talent since Matt Ryan's departure before the start of the 2022 NFL season. The lack of continuity and a secure plan for the position led to the end of Arthur Smith's tenure and has led to spending a bit to secure some stability this offseason.
Now, that they are taking the position seriously, it will be interesting to see what direction Atlanta takes in the coming weeks.
