The free-agent market for quarterbacks at the moment is almost non-existent, but the trade market looks to be quite robust, featuring options that require varying levels of investment.

Whether recent reports surrounding Michael Penix Jr. are true or not — suggesting the Falcons are not sold on the former eighth overall pick as a franchise quarterback — they have to come away with someone at the position this offseason. New Falcons GM Ian Cunningham already said the team will release Cousins on the first day of the new league year, and they will not attempt to re-sign him once he becomes a free agent.

So, at the very least, the Falcons need a competent backup. But with Penix’s status for the early part of the season up in the air following the third ACL injury of his career, Atlanta targeting a starting-caliber option is a very real possibility.

Mac Jones

I’ve been pounding the table for Mac Jones since he was a possibility in the draft, and I’m not going to stop now. He was given an incredibly raw deal in New England, playing behind a horrendous offensive line with little talent at wide receiver and a defensive coordinator in Matt Patricia calling plays. Absolutely no young quarterback was going to thrive in that situation.

In a much better situation with the 49ers this past season, Jones was very good in his eight starts, throwing for over 2,000 yards and 13 touchdowns compared to just five interceptions, finishing with a quarterback rating just shy of 100. In Atlanta’s system, with an offensive-minded head coach and quality skill-position talent, it’s reasonable to assume he could have a lot of success — perhaps following in the footsteps of guys like Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield, former first-round picks who found success after leaving the teams that drafted them.

Jones’ contract situation also makes him an attractive trade candidate, as he’s set to count just $3 million against the cap next season. However, that also makes him an extraordinarily valuable commodity around the league. Sources say the 49ers are currently looking for a first-round pick in return — something the Falcons don’t have — and they aren’t eager to move him at all.

Kyler Murray

Given Murray is set to count for over $50 million against the cap in 2026, it’s probably more likely that he’s released than traded. But because he’s still currently on the Cardinals’ roster, we’ll include him.

Murray’s upside makes him tantalizing. When he’s healthy and locked in, he has played like a top-10 quarterback in the league, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year and making multiple Pro Bowls. But the injuries are a legitimate concern. He has missed at least five games in three of the last four seasons and is coming off a year in which he played in just five games due to a foot sprain. There are also questions about his dedication to the game, but depending on the length and structure of the deal, both of those concerns could be overlooked.

A healthy Kyler Murray would easily be the best quarterback the Falcons have had since Matt Ryan was throwing touchdowns to Julio Jones. He would instantly make Atlanta the favorite to win the NFC South.

Tua Tagovailoa

Tagovailoa is in a similar situation to Murray. The Dolphins are reportedly shopping him, but it would be pretty shocking if anyone were willing to take on his contract, meaning he’ll likely be released and become a free agent.

Tagovailoa is an incredibly accurate passer, completing 68% of his throws for his career. And until this past season, he had typically been a quarterback who took care of the football. He has the talent to thrive in a system like Kevin Stefanski’s, where he would be aided by one of the most dominant rushing attacks in the league.

The big question here is the concussions. Tagovailoa has had four documented concussions over his football career, and the reality is it’s likely been more than that. There is reason to be genuinely concerned about his long-term health. But if the price is right, he’s another quarterback who would instantly boost the Falcons toward the top of the NFC South.

Anthony Richardson

Richardson entered the league as an incredibly talented athlete who needed a lot of development as a quarterback, and after three seasons, it’s fair to say not much has changed. He has made just 15 starts, thrown more interceptions than touchdowns, and completed only 50% of his passes.

The Colts have given Richardson permission to seek a trade, and they likely won’t be asking for much in return. He’s not like the other candidates in that he probably wouldn’t make the Falcons better immediately. However, at just 23 years old, his long-term upside will likely earn him another opportunity somewhere in the league.