28 February 2024 , 05:00
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New Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris has made a bold statement about the team's quarterbacks. He suggested that if the previous quarterbacks had performed better, he might not be in his current position.
Last year, Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke were the main quarterbacks for the Falcons, but they only managed to secure seven wins and suffered ten losses under Arthur Smith.
"If we had better quarterback play, I'm probably not standing here at this podium," Morris said, in a clear hint he will look to make a change at the position.
Morris hinted that he might not have complete confidence in his current quarterbacks for the upcoming season. He didn't rule out the possibility of looking for new talent through free agency, trades, or even the 2024 NFL Draft. The Falcons currently hold the eighth overall pick this year.
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"I won't bring up names," Morris said. "But when you're going through the process you have everything open."
"We've got so many avenues right now because we have free agency money, we have the ability to trade, whether it be trade for a player with a team, or be it trade up or back in the draft. It's just really about the different scenarios you want to have at the quarterback position."
The best quarterbacks in this year's draft might be out of reach for Atlanta unless they make a trade. Caleb Williams, who won the 2022 Heisman Trophy at USC, is tipped to be the first pick - but it's not clear if the Chicago Bears will use their first pick on him or trade it. Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2023, are also expected to be among the top five picks.
JJ McCarthy, who helped Michigan Wolverines win the national championship, or Michael Penix Jr. from Washington could be possible picks for Atlanta, but they're likely to be chosen after the top ten. There's been speculation that Atlanta might trade for Justin Fields from the Bears, which would let Chicago use their No. 1 pick on Williams.
Taylor Heinicke and Desmond Ridder were the quarterbacks Atlanta used last season (Getty)The 2024 NFL Combine is due to happen in Indianapolis and a trade for Fields could happen soon. Ryan Poles, the general manager, spoke about Fields' situation on Tuesday. "It just depends on what opportunities pop up," he said.
"I will say this: If we go down that road, I wanna do right by Justin as well. No one wants to live in gray. I know that's uncomfortable. I wouldn't wanna be in that situation either."
"So we'll gather the information. We'll move as quickly as possible. We're not gonna be in a rush. And (we'll) see what presents itself and what's best for the organization."
Poles stated: "I've been in contact with his team and let them know kinda what we're looking at. How things might play out, and that we'll continue to communicate. ... It's part of this business. It is a unique situation."