lisbon365  The Atlanta Falcons are keeping all options open in their search for a new quarterback for the 2024 season. lisbon365 

Atlanta Falcons General Manager Terry Fontenot is preparing for the NFL Scout Combine and free agent market to begin on March 13. This is mainly focused on the quarterback position. According to a report from NFL Network on Monday.  ( lisbon365  )

‘That’s the most important thing for us this off-season. And it’s exciting,’ Fontenot said. ‘Again, it’s not just the people in the building. But also guys outside the building: Raheem (Morris) and (offensive line coach) Zach (Robinson), (quarterbacks coach) T.J. Yates, (assistant coach) Ken Sampes, (assistant quarterbacks coach) DJ Williams, we have a lot of really smart people in the building. We will spend a lot of time together. Make sure we attack in the right way.’

‘We will not close any doors. Whether it be a trade, free agent or draft. We’ll make sure we keep an open mind there. and we will attack it and making sure we do it right’ 

Desmond Ridder’s frequent turnovers led to a quarterback change midway through last season, even though the Falcons were ranked No. 1 in the NA division. Southern FC followed with Taylor Heinicke taking over from week 9, but Heinicke’s injury caused Ridder to return to play as the starter again until Heinicke. Mikey recovered to start the final 3 games of the season. 

However, the Falcons lost 4 of their last 5 games and missed out on a playoff berth, resulting in Arthur Smith being fired from his position as head coach after posting a 7-10 record for the third consecutive season. Ridder and Heinicke are still under contract for 2024, but upgrading those positions is Fontenot’s first goal this off-season. 

The Falcons have been linked with 35-year-old Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, who is set to become a free agent, while Justin Fields. The Bears’ future remains uncertain after multiple reports said the Chicago Bears are considering Caleb Williams with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft, and that means trading a quarterback. 24 year old left Chicago

‘You evaluate players at every point in their career,’ Fontenot said. ‘That’s why it’s so important as we work through free agents and potential trades. When evaluating every player you wouldn’t look at reports from last year or the year before that. We will be looking at player evolution. So yes, to answer your question. We have to be detailed and assess players at every moment.’

The Falcons have the No. 8 pick in this year’s draft. A trade-up to select a new quarterback is also an option, with Fontenot revealing those discussions may have started while he was looking at quarterbacks. Kiki 

‘You keep the lines open. and started talking immediately Because you have some GMs that are just established in certain areas. So you have to make sure the lines of communication are open,’ Fontenot said. ‘You spend time at the Combine. So we always talk about everything. We are open in communication. It’s going to be a fun year because I would say it’s a very strong draft.’