It’s no secret where the Atlanta Falcons currently stand with their quarterback situation entering the 2026 season. New head coach Kevin Stefanski will have to decide whether it’s veteran Tua Tagovailoa or Michael Penix Jr. as the right man for the job. Needless to say, both players have a lot to prove.
Tagovailoa was more or less gift-wrapped to the Falcons this offseason in free agency after the Miami Dolphins decided to release him, all while still paying him $54 million in the process. That allowed Atlanta to sign him to the league minimum so he could compete with Penix, who is coming off a season-ending ACL injury.
The Falcons, though, have not felt comfortable about their quarterback situation since Matt Ryan was traded to the Indianapolis Colts. Since then, it has been a revolving door that not even Kirk Cousins could solve for a couple of years.
The new regime for the Falcons, led by general manager Ian Cunningham, could look to change that eventually by making a huge splash for Joe Burrow.
Why Joe Burrow Could Appeal To Falcons Leadership
First and foremost, if anyone knows a lot about Joe Burrow, it is Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski, who while with the Cleveland Browns went 6-4 against the Cincinnati Bengals and Burrow.
Because of those tough AFC North battles, Burrow probably has a profound respect for Stefanski, despite his recent struggles in Cleveland,” Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton wrote.
But that may not be what truly gauges the quarterback’s interest. It could be the Falcons’ new president of football Matt Ryan.
“Moreover, Burrow may be intrigued by a team under the control of a former quarterback and league MVP in Ryan. As former No. 1 overall picks at the position, they can establish a unique bond through their career parallels,” Moton explained.
Of course, the Falcons would have to trade for Burrow, who will have three years remaining on his deal after the 2026 season but only one more guaranteed.
“Next offseason, the Falcons will have the third-most cap space across the league with over $148 million. They could offer multiple first-rounders to the Bengals and give Burrow a new deal,” Moton added.
“The Falcons’ new administration can wipe the quarterback slate clean for Burrow in 2027.”
Why Bengals Moving Joe Burrow Still Feels Unlikely
It’s difficult to imagine the Bengals actually moving on from Burrow, but it has also been clear the 29-year-old has not been thrilled with the organization over the last couple of years, even if he has not outright stated that.
“This is considered to be a hugely significant season for Joe Burrow and his future in Cincinnati. If the Bengals cannot turn it around, some have speculated about whether Burrow might wonder whether he is better off playing in another NFL city,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter said after the Bengals traded with the New York Giants for Dexter Lawrence.
As exciting as it is to imagine Burrow suiting up for the Falcons, it may not make a ton of sense for the team to make such a bold move. Moton’s suggestion of offering multiple first-round picks goes against the philosophy of Cunningham, who is trying to fix the mistakes of the last regime that cost them years of draft capital.
Then again, Burrow is as close to a guarantee at the quarterback position as anyone else who might become available.
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