The Falcons’ offseason has already kicked into high gear - and we’re not even at the Senior Bowl yet. Matt Ryan is back in Atlanta, but this time he’s trading the helmet for a headset, stepping in as President of Football.
Kevin Stefanski is the new head coach, bringing a steady hand and proven offensive mind to the sideline. The GM chair is still empty, but that domino is expected to fall soon.
But no matter who fills that role, the biggest question looming over Flowery Branch is the same one that’s haunted this franchise since Ryan’s final days under center: Who’s going to be the quarterback in 2026?
The Michael Penix Puzzle
Let’s start with the guy already on the roster - Michael Penix Jr. Drafted 8th overall just two years ago, Penix was handed the keys to the offense this past season.
The results? Inconsistent at best.
He threw for just under 2,000 yards and nine touchdowns in nine starts. While he limited turnovers (only three interceptions), the tape tells a more complicated story.
Several near-picks didn’t show up in the box score, and his decision-making under pressure raised concerns.
Then there’s the injury history - and it’s a big one. Penix is recovering from his third ACL tear, a staggering number for any player, let alone a quarterback. Add in two significant shoulder injuries from his college days, and it’s fair to question whether he’ll be ready for Week 1 - or if he can stay healthy at all.
And here’s the other wrinkle: the new leadership group didn’t draft him. That matters.
When a new regime takes over, they often want their own guy under center. Penix may still have upside, but the Falcons can’t go into another season without a serious plan at quarterback.
Is a Kirk Cousins Reunion in the Cards?
There’s been plenty of chatter about Kirk Cousins returning to Atlanta, especially given his past connection with Stefanski from their time in Minnesota. On paper, it makes some sense.
Cousins is a proven veteran, and he knows Stefanski’s system. But dig a little deeper, and the fit starts to look shaky.
Cousins’ contract was restructured in a way that essentially guarantees he’ll hit free agency this offseason. That means if the Falcons want him back, they’ll have to outbid other suitors.
And even if they do, would Cousins really want to walk back into a situation where he’s competing with a younger QB like Penix? It feels more like a clean break is coming for both sides.
The Free-Agent Market: Slim Pickings
If the Falcons are hoping to find a Week 1 starter in free agency, they’re going to be disappointed. The list of available quarterbacks isn’t exactly inspiring.
Daniel Jones is coming off an Achilles injury and likely won’t be ready to start the season. Aaron Rodgers is a question mark - retirement is very much on the table. Beyond that, there’s not much in the way of proven talent.
One name that could be worth watching? Malik Willis.
He’s been quietly impressive in spot duty behind Jordan Love over the past two seasons. In three starts, he’s gone 2-1 while averaging over 300 passing yards per game with six touchdowns and no interceptions.
It’s a small sample size, but it’s the kind of flash that gets coaches and GMs intrigued.
Why Mac Jones Might Be the Answer
Given the limited options in free agency and the fact that Atlanta doesn’t have a first-round pick (thanks to the James Pearce Jr. trade), the most logical - and realistic - solution might be Mac Jones.
After signing a two-year deal with the 49ers to back up Brock Purdy, Jones was thrust into action when injuries hit San Francisco’s QB room. He ended up starting eight games, going 5-3 while throwing for over 2,100 yards and 13 touchdowns. He completed nearly 70% of his passes, posted a 97.2 passer rating, and finished with a QBR just shy of 63 - all while missing several key offensive weapons.
Jones looked like a starting-caliber quarterback again, and in Stefanski’s system - which has helped revive the careers of players like Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold - he could thrive. The scheme is friendly to accurate, timing-based passers, and Jones fits that mold.
Financially, the move makes even more sense. Jones carries a cap hit of under $4 million in 2026, giving the Falcons flexibility to build around him. He could come in, compete with Penix in training camp, and give Atlanta a legitimate option under center - both for now and potentially for the future.
The Draft Pick Dilemma
The biggest hurdle in acquiring Jones? Compensation.
The 49ers won’t be eager to give up a reliable backup, especially with Purdy’s injury history. It’ll likely take at least a mid-round pick to get a deal done.
That’s a problem for Atlanta, which holds just five picks in the upcoming draft. They don’t have a ton of ammo to work with, and every selection is going to count.
But here’s the reality: without stability at quarterback, the Falcons are going nowhere fast. They’ve got a new brain trust in place, a winnable division in front of them, and a roster that isn’t far from competing. What they don’t have is a clear answer at the most important position in football.
Mac Jones isn’t a home run swing - but he’s a solid double into the gap. And right now, that might be exactly what Atlanta needs.