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Falcons won't rule out Desmond Ridder during QB search

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Kelsey Kramer | Last updated 2/15/24

The Atlanta Falcons will spend a good chunk of the offseason in search of their next quarterback, but he could already be in the building.

Falcons' new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson spoke to Atlanta media for the first time this week where he discussed the quarterback situation.

Robinson said the staff will stay open to "all options," which means quarterback Desmond Ridder and backup Taylor Heinicke could remain.

"Whether it's a pocket guy, whether it's a guy that can move around a little bit, we're just looking for the best guy that we can do," Robinson told reporters on Wednesday during his introductory presser. "Certainly know the guys that are here, we're evaluating everybody, so Taylor [Heinicke] and Desmond, we're looking at those guys. -- All options are on the table."

Robinson even went as far as to say that "he's excited" to watch and evaluate "more of Des."

That definitely won't excite Falcons fans considering how underwhelming Ridder and Heinicke were this year. However, it also sounds like just some good ole coaches talk because they're not going to come right out and share their detailed quarterback plan this early in the process -- if at all.

Another option the Falcons will consider is free agency, which they've already been heavily linked to Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, who has Georgia roots because of his wife.

They will also look at a potential trade for a veteran QB and of course, the 2024 NFL Draft, which is stacked with quarterback talent, and the Falcons own the No. 8 overall pick this year.

But regardless of whoever ends up playing under center for the Falcons, Robinson has some boxes that the quarterback must check.

"That guy's got to be the most competitive guy in the room," he said. "Got to have mental and physical toughness, got to be able to think, got to have mental capacity, throw the football accurately, have the inventory of throws -- pace, touch (and) they've got to be able to drive it when they need it."

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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