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5 free-agent quarterback options for the Falcons in 2022

Deen Worley
·4 min read

Matt Ryan and Feleipe Franks are the only quarterbacks under contract for the Falcons in 2022. Sooner or later, the team has to stop putting off the inevitable and make a decision on Ryan’s future.

Of course, there is the option of drafting a quarterback, but the hit rate there is not favorable, regardless of where the selection takes place. The other option for Atlanta would be to sign a veteran free agent to serve as a backup or bridge quarterback.

Here’s a look at five QB options for Atlanta in free agency.

QB | Nick Mullens

Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Nick Mullens was a quarterback I had originally wanted the Falcons to bring in a year ago. During his first four years in he league with San Francisco, he showed he has what it takes to be a solid backup QB. Mullens is an option, but he would only be a minor step above Josh Rosen and Feleipe Franks. Falcons coach Arthur Smith seems to like Franks, so it’s likely he’s around in some role next season.

QB | Logan Woodside

(AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Another option if Arthur Smith wants to dip into his old Tennessee connections would be to bring in Titans quarterback Logan Woodside. However, this would only be possible if the Titans forgo offering him a league minimum contract. Woodside is an exclusive rights free agent and can’t negotiate with any other team if the Titans offer him a league minimum deal. The 26-year-old isn’t exactly a proven NFL passer, though, completing just one of three career passes in the regular season.

QB | Brandon Allen

Bengals backup Brandon Allen is another option that would be a slight upgrade as the team’s No. 2 QB. Allen, 30, is the oldest quarterback on this list but has more experience than the two mentioned above. While he’s not going to wow anyone, Allen is an affordable option and the Falcons are low on cap space.

QB | Jameis Winston

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Unlike the three players mentioned above, the next two could serve as bridge quarterbacks for the Falcons. Jameis Winston joined the Saints last offseason after the Buccaneers dumped him for Tom Brady. Winston has always been talented, but his high turnover rate became an issue.

He repaired that image to some degree in New Orleans, and he still has the skill set to lead a team to victory. Winston led the Saints to four wins before he tore his ACL against the Bucs in Week 5.

QB | Mitchell Trubisky

(AP Photo/David Richard)

There’s always going to be a stigma around Mitch Trubisky after he failed to live up to his No. 2 overall pick status. Trubisky’s skill set is comparable to Titans starter Ryan Tannehill, who was at a similar crossroads in his career before linking up with Arthur Smith.

At some point in the very near future, the Falcons will be forced to look beyond Ryan, whose contract is set to end in two seasons. When looking at upside, age, experience, and potential price tag, Trubisky could be an enticing option.

Complete free-agent QB class of 2022

(Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

Below is the list of quarterbacks who will be free agents in 2022.

  • QB – Andy Dalton – Void

  • QB – Ben Roethlisberger – Void

  • QB – Jameis Winston – Void

  • QB – Joe Flacco – Void

  • QB – A.J. McCarron – UFA

  • QB – Blaine Gabbert – UFA

  • QB – Brandon Allen – UFA

  • QB – Brian Hoyer – UFA

  • QB – Cam Newton – UFA

  • QB – Chad Henne – UFA

  • QB – Chase Daniel – UFA

  • QB – Colt McCoy – UFA

  • QB – Geno Smith – UFA

  • QB – Jacoby Brissett – UFA

  • QB – Jeff Driskel – UFA

  • QB – Josh Johnson – UFA

  • QB – Josh Rosen – UFA

  • QB – Joshua Dobbs – UFA

  • QB – Marcus Mariota – UFA

  • QB – Mike Glennon – UFA

  • QB – Mitchell Trubisky – UFA

  • QB – Nick Mullens – UFA

  • QB – Ryan Fitzpatrick – UFA

  • QB – Sean Mannion – UFA

  • QB – Teddy Bridgewater – UFA

  • QB – Tim Boyle – UFA

  • QB – Trevor Siemian – UFA

  • QB – Tyrod Taylor – UFA

  • QB – David Blough – RFA

  • QB – Dwayne Haskins – RFA

  • QB – Garrett Gilbert – RFA

  • QB – Kyle Allen – RFA

  • QB – Mike White – RFA

  • QB – Brett Rypien – ERFA

  • QB – Jake Fromm – ERFA

  • QB – John Wolford – ERFA

  • QB – Logan Woodside – ERFA

  • QB – Tyler Huntley – ERFA

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