Falcons Interested in Signing Baker Mayfield? Insider Explains Why Atlanta Can Steal Bucs QB
As the Atlanta Falcons look for their next franchise quarterback, they find themselves linked with several potential options. From veterans like Kirk Cousins and Justin Fields to even taking a chance on one in the NFL Draft like Drake Maye and J.J. McCarthy.
Recent buzz has indicated that the Falcons are potential candidates to land either Cousins in free agency or Justin Fields via a trade with the Chicago Bears. Although a new report from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler has suggested Atlanta as a potential destination for current Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield, as he is set to hit the open market.
"While Mayfield and the Buccaneers continue to discuss a potential long-term deal, the veteran QB will have interest outside of Tampa Bay," Fowler writes. "He has familiarity with Atlanta with new coach Raheem Morris and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, who were with him during a short stint with the Rams."
Dec 10, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws a pass against the Atlanta Falcons in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
The trio spent time together in 2022, where, following his release from the Carolina Panthers, Mayfield was signed by the Los Angeles Rams at midseason. Amidst an injury crisis that saw the Rams without their franchise quarterback, Matthew Stafford, Mayfield was thrust into the starting role for the final five games.
Albeit, Mayfield's signing wouldn't do much to improve a disastrous season for the Rams, as he'd go 1-3 as a starter. His time under coach Sean McVay and then quarterbacks coach Zac Robinson helped set the foundation for what came this past season.
Following his five-game stint with the Rams, Mayfield signed with the Buccaneers in free agency. And despite many doubters, the 28-year-old would go on to have a career year.
The former No. 1 pick threw for 4,044 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 17 games as he led the Buccaneers to a 9-8 season before helping them get past the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card round just before falling to the Detroit Lions in the next round.
For a Falcons team that could have potentially four top-10 picks on their roster from the last four years, on paper, they seem to be a quarterback away. With over $37 million in cap space, according to Over The Cap, the Falcons seemingly have the ability to sign a quarterback like Mayfield, who could become their long-awaited replacement of Matt Ryan.
