The Atlanta Falcons are exhausting all options in their search for a franchise quarterback to lead a dynamic cast of offensive weapons, including a division rival in Baker Mayfield.
According to multiple conversations with league sources, The Falcons have shown significant interest in Baker Mayfield, if the Buccaneers' quarterback reaches free agency when the new league year begins on March 13.
Likewise, Atlanta has made overtures to general manager Ryan Poles and the Chicago Bears about the possibility of trading for Justin Fields — who many inside the league believe a Fields trade, somewhere, is a foregone conclusion with the Bears slated to select No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft.
Meanwhile, if the Falcons are unable to win the Fields sweepstakes, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins is also high on general manager Terry Fontenot's radar, according to multiple league sources.
Mayfield is coming off the most prolific season of his career, and seems to be a priority for the Buccaneers to retain.
"Baker meant a lot to this team," Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht told reporters at the NFL Combine. "This fanbase, and this town. I think we meant a lot to him. I think it was a perfect marriage. I've said it before, but he sought us out. He gambled on us, saw it as a good situation, and saw it better than a lot of national outlets that saw us winning two games. So, he thought it would be good for him and it certainly was. I know he wants to be a Buc and we want him to be a Buc, so that is usually a good starting point."
During his first season in Tampa Bay, Mayfield passed for a career-high 4,044 yards with 28 touchdowns to just 10 interceptions. The Buccaneers were expected to have upwards of $43 million in cap space ahead of free agency, but after re-signing All-Pro wide receiver Mike Evans to a two-year deal, cap space could become an issue to retain Mayfield.
Fields could represent the most long-term upside for the Falcons if Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris believe that there is still upside from a promising second half of the 2023 season for the 24-year-old former first-round pick.
Last season, Fields completed 61.4 percent of his passes for 2,562 yards with 16 touchdowns to nine interceptions in 13 games.
Cousins has been linked to the Falcons since early this offseason, and it's easy to see why. With a supporting cast in place that includes electrifying running back Bijan Robinson, field-stretching wide receiver Drake London, and athletic pass-catching tight end Kyle Pitts, Cousins' veteran presence could be exactly what the Falcons' offense needs to capitalize on a winnable NFC South division.
The Falcons are set to have just over $41.6 million in cap space this offseason to continue building out a young roster, but no position is more important than adding a franchise quarterback.
