Falcons claim veteran QB Matt Barkley off waivers from Panthers

The Falcons added some depth to the quarterback position on Wednesday. They claimed veteran Matt Barkley off of waivers from the Panthers, via ESPN’s Field Yates. 

According to the team release, the move was made necessary after undrafted rookie Feleipe Franks was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list. It also gives the team the option to continue making Josh Rosen inactive on game days.

Barkley, 31, was originally a fourth round pick of the Eagles in 2013. Since then, he has had stints with six other teams, including Carolina most recently. In seven career starts, he has a 2-5 record, a 58.4% completion percentage and an 11:22 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Barkley’s most recent game action came in 2020 with the Bills.

Barkley departs Carolina without having appeared for the team after signing in November. The Falcons will be his third team of 2021, after he originally signed a one-year deal with the Titans in the offseason. Barkley’s first action in Atlanta could come in a familiar stadium, as the Falcons travel to Buffalo in Week 17.