BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 12: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens passes the ball against the New York Jets at M&T Bank Stadium on December 12, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Image: Getty)
The Atlanta Falcons have named its new starting quarterback – at least for now.
Head coach Arthur Smith said that the team intends to start Desmond Ridder in 2023.
“That’s our plan going forward right now,” he said.
The early move might come as a surprise to some, as the Falcons signed former Washington Redskins starting quarterback Taylor Heinicke.
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However, the Falcons appear to have confidence in its 2022 third-round pick.
In four games last year, Ridder tossed for more than 700 yards with two touchdown passes, while maintaining a completion percentage of 63.5%.
For the most part, he served as the backup to Marcus Mariota – until he took over as the starter in December.
Of course, one of the biggest pieces of news in the week was Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson revealing that he requested a trade earlier this month.
But it does not appear that the Falcons will not be going after him, according to ESPN’s Dianna Russini.
Also, Falcons owner Arthur Blank commented on Jackson publicly today and expressed concerns about his playing style and injury history.
“Looking at it objectively I’d say there’s some concern over how long can he play his style of game. Hopefully a long time …, but he’s missed 5, 6 games each of the last two years,” he said, according to The Athletic.
“Each game counts a lot in our business.”
According to ESPN, the Colts will “mull” a deal for Jackson.
With Jackson getting a non-exclusive franchise tag, a team can sign him and surrender two first-round picks.
If not the Colts currently hold the 4th overall selection in the 2023 draft and can select a quarterback instead.
Or perhaps, the team could trade up to get someone it really likes. But there are quite a few options for the Colts at quarterback.
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