Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot announced on May 22, 2026 that the club will aggressively explore quarterback options before training camp opens. The move follows a 6‑11 finish last season and a lingering gap in offensive production that kept the Falcons out of the playoffs.
Fontenot stressed that the front office will consider trades, free‑agency signings and the 2026 draft, with a decision timeline that aligns with the NFL’s new February free‑agency start date. The Falcons expect to have a clearer picture by early March, giving them leverage in negotiations and the ability to lock in a starter before preseason.
Why the Upgrade Is Critical for Atlanta
Atlanta entered the 2025 season with veteran quarterback Jared Stark, a fourth‑year starter who posted a 92.4 passer rating but struggled in red‑zone efficiency, finishing in the league’s bottom third. Stark’s 18 % red‑zone touchdown rate lagged the NFL average of 33 %, and his 7.2 EPA per 100 plays placed the Falcons 24th in a metric that correlates strongly with win probability. The offense’s 3.8 % third‑down conversion rate—down 1.2 points from 2024—underscored the need for a higher‑skill signal‑caller to unlock the team’s deep‑route concepts.
Historically, the Falcons have thrived when the quarterback could execute a quick‑release, zone‑read system. In 2016, Matt Ryan’s 3.5 % EPA per play helped Atlanta finish 9‑7 and win a playoff game, while the 2020 surge under veteran Matt Ryan (the same player, now a different era) demonstrated how a premium passer can lift the NFC South’s overall EPA by 2‑3 points per play. The 2025 data showed a three‑point swing in EPA per play separating the division’s two playoff teams from the rest, reinforcing the statistical case for a quarterback upgrade.
Coach Arthur Smith, who arrived in 2023 from the Washington Commanders, has already hinted that a more accurate passer would allow the Falcons to expand their zone‑read scheme, a point underscored by the team’s reduced third‑down conversion rate last year. Smith’s offensive philosophy—quick three‑step drops, progressive route trees, and a heavy reliance on RPOs—requires a quarterback who can read defenses in under two seconds. Adding a premium quarterback could lift Atlanta’s offensive EPA by 3‑4 points per play, a boost that could translate into at least three more wins and a realistic shot at a Wild Card berth.
Player Backgrounds and the Market Landscape
Jared Stark (Atlanta): Drafted in the second round in 2022, Stark entered the league as a dual‑threat prospect from Ohio State. Over four seasons he amassed 13,200 passing yards, 78 touchdowns, and 34 interceptions. While his mobility (4.6 s 40‑yard dash) remains a strength, his decision‑making under pressure has been inconsistent, leading to a 1.5 % sack rate that is among the highest for starting quarterbacks with over 2,000 attempts.
Trade Candidates: ESPN’s trade tracker lists three quarterbacks who could be moved for a 2026 second‑round pick plus a conditional 2027 selection. Matt Corral (Washington), a former third‑round pick who posted a 101.2 passer rating in limited action and excels in RPOs, is on the Falcons’ radar. Geno Smith (Seattle) is a veteran with a 100.5 rating in 2024, known for his quick release and pocket awareness, fitting Atlanta’s scheme. Lastly, Jared Goff (Detroit) is a potential trade chip; despite a career‑low 84.3 rating last season, his experience and familiarity with zone concepts could be valuable if a ‘reset’ contract is negotiated.
Free‑Agency Targets: The scouting department has identified five veteran quarterbacks who could sign under $30 million for four years. Tyrod Taylor (formerly with the Browns) offers a 92.0 rating and a 4.9 s release time, making him a natural fit for Smith’s quick‑release system. Jameis Winston, now a backup with a 93.3 rating in limited snaps, brings veteran leadership and a proven ability to manage high‑tempo offenses. Mike White (Miami) posted a 94.5 rating in 2023 as a spot starter and is praised for his pre‑snap reads. The remaining two—Sam Darnold and Josh Allen (the former Buccaneers backup)—are considered depth options with upside if the Falcons adopt a quarterback‑by‑committee approach.
Draft Outlook: The Falcons sit at No. 12 overall in the 2026 draft, a slot that analysts such as Pro Football Focus and The Athletic project could yield a top‑tier quarterback. The 2026 quarterback class features Michael Dever (USC), a 6‑4, 225‑lb dual‑threat who posted a 105.6 EPA per play in his senior year, and Jalen Carter (Georgia), a pocket passer with a 101.8 rating and a 3.1 s 40‑yard dash. Both fit the quick‑release, zone‑read mold, but the class also includes several ‘project’ arms who may need developmental time. Selecting at No. 12 gives Atlanta the leverage to trade down if the board falls away from a ready starter.
Strategic Considerations for the Front Office
The Falcons’ salary‑cap situation entering 2026 is relatively flexible. After allocating $92 million to the top five positions last season, the team carries $58 million in cap space, enough to absorb a veteran starter’s $30 million contract while retaining depth at receiver, defensive line, and secondary. However, a high‑profile trade would require relinquishing a second‑round pick and a 2027 conditional selection, potentially hampering the team’s ability to address other needs such as a pass‑rushing edge rusher—a position the Falcons ranked 28th in sacks per game.
Coach Smith’s play‑calling philosophy emphasizes a high‑tempo, 70‑play offense that relies on short, high‑percentage passes to create mismatches. In 2025 the Falcons averaged 32.1 passing attempts per game, the lowest in the NFC South, largely because of Stark’s conservative play‑calling. An upgraded quarterback could raise attempts to the 38‑play range, increasing total EPA by an estimated 12‑15 points per game—a margin that historically correlates with a swing of 1.5 wins in the NFL.
Historically, the Falcons have succeeded when they paired a quarterback adept at quick reads with a deep‑route receiving corps. The 2012 season, when Matt Ryan (then a rookie) partnered with Julio Jones and Rod Starky, saw Atlanta finish 13‑3 and lead the league in yards per pass attempt (8.4). The current roster still boasts talent—wide receiver Chris Olave (1,245 yards in 2025) and tight end Kyle Pitts (720 yards) —but both have been underutilized due to limited time in the pocket. A quarterback who can deliver the ball in under 2.5 seconds would maximize their route running and likely return the offense to its 2012 potency.
Potential Timeline and Decision Points
The NFL’s new free‑agency start date of Feb. 1, 2026 compresses the evaluation window. Fontenot indicated the Falcons will host private workouts with select veterans during the first two weeks of February, followed by a series of internal meetings with the coaching staff to align on scheme fit. By mid‑February, the team expects to narrow the free‑agency list to three candidates for intensive one‑on‑one sessions.
The NFL Combine, held March 5‑13, will be a critical data point for the draft. Falcons scouts have earmarked quarterback drills—especially the 7‑step drop and RPO simulations—as key evaluation tools. If a top‑tier prospect performs at or above a 105 EPA per play threshold, the front office is prepared to move up the draft board, potentially packaging the No. 12 pick with a 2027 third‑rounder to secure the player.
Should trade discussions materialize, the Falcons plan to engage with the Washington Commanders and the Seattle Seahawks by the end of February, leveraging the second‑round pick slated for the 2026 draft. The conditional 2027 selection would be tied to the target’s performance metrics (e.g., 50+ starts, 70+% pass‑completion rate), providing a safety net for Atlanta.
By early March, Fontenot expects to issue a public statement outlining the chosen path—whether it is a trade, a free‑agency signing, or a draft selection—allowing the coaching staff to install the new quarterback in the playbook before the preseason begins on Aug. 10.
Impact on the NFC South Landscape
The NFC South is projected to be a tightly contested division in 2026. The New Orleans Saints, after a 9‑8 finish, are expected to retain quarterback Drew Brees II, while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers plan to start Baker Mayfield after a year of rebuilding. The Carolina Panthers are betting on Deshaun Watson to rejuvenate their offense. In this context, a Falcons quarterback who can elevate offensive EPA by 3‑4 points per play could be the differentiator that propels Atlanta from a sub‑.500 team to a playoff contender.
Analysts at Football Outsiders calculate that a 0.5 EPA per play advantage over a division rival translates to roughly a 1‑game swing over a 17‑game season. If the Falcons secure a quarterback capable of delivering a 0.6‑0.8 EPA per play uplift, they could finish 9‑8 or better, securing a Wild Card spot based on tiebreakers that favor head‑to‑head victories.
Next Steps and Fan Outlook
In the coming weeks, the Falcons will host private workouts with select veterans and will send scouts to the NFL Combine to gauge the top quarterback prospects. The front office expects to make a public statement on its preferred route by early March. Fans have been vocal on social media, with the #FalconsFuture hashtag trending after Fontenot’s announcement, reflecting a city eager for a return to the postseason.
When does the Falcons’ quarterback search officially begin?
The Falcons’ search ramps up on Feb. 1, 2026, when NFL free agency opens, allowing the team to negotiate with unrestricted free agents and explore trade talks.
Which draft pick could Atlanta use to select a quarterback?
Atlanta holds the No. 12 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, a slot where analysts project a top‑tier quarterback could be available.
How might a new quarterback affect the Falcons’ salary cap?
Signing a veteran starter could cost up to $30 million over four years, while a rookie contract spreads cap hits over five years, giving the Falcons more flexibility for other roster moves.
What does the trade market look like for Atlanta?
Three potential trade targets have surfaced, each likely to require a 2026 second‑round pick and a conditional 2027 selection, according to scouting reports.
Why does the Falcons’ front office favor a quick‑release system?
Coach Smith believes a rapid‑release passing game maximizes the talent of his receiving corps, a philosophy backed by the team’s success in short‑yardage situations last season.
