The Atlanta Falcons have benched quarterback Desmond Ridder for the second and final time this season. Ridder’s last pass for the Atlanta Falcons most likely will go down as the game-wrecking interception he threw against the Carolina Panthers. The team now turns to Taylor Heinicke to lead the team for the remaining three games. Heinicke started two games for the team earlier this season but did not do enough to impress to stave off Ridder from reclaiming the job.
The question now becomes what will the Falcons do at the position in 2024 and beyond? The team can either select one of several quarterbacks in the upcoming NFL Draft or try and entice a free agent to come to Atlanta. The free agent rout is not particularly attractive, however, with the top names including Ryan Tannehill, Gardner Minshew and Sam Darnold.
This year’s crop of quarterbacks in the draft should provide several options for the Falcons. They will most likely have to trade up a few spots, but with Ridder’s performance this season it has left them no choice.
Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels would be an attractive option with his athleticism and ability to extend plays. Other options could include Washington’s Michael Penix Jr., Oregon’s Bo Nix or North Carolina’s Drake Maye.