BREAKING: Falcons Secure veteran QB; Lamar Jacksonvia free agency, set to join team in massive deal….

By Nick Halden | 9:30 AM EST

In a stunning turn of events, the Atlanta Falcons have officially secured the services of former MVP Lamar Jackson in a massive deal via free agency, signaling a bold shift in their quarterback situation as the 2024 season unfolds.

A little over a month ago, the Falcons were on top of the NFC South, sitting at 6-3 with a perfect divisional record. Atlanta had secured signature wins over high-profile teams like the Eagles and Buccaneers, and the acquisition of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins appeared to be paying off. However, that narrative has rapidly changed. Kirk Cousins, once a beacon of stability, has faltered under the pressure, with his throws lacking power and his turnover rate climbing to catastrophic levels.

Cousins’ Decline and the Penix Dilemma

The shift from optimism to frustration in Atlanta was as rapid as it was predictable. After a four-game losing streak, the Falcons’ playoff hopes are hanging by a thread. Cousins has thrown eight interceptions and zero touchdowns in the last four games—each turnover more damaging than the last. Inexplicably, rookie Michael Penix Jr., who was drafted in the top-ten by the Falcons just this past offseason, has not seen the field.

The decision to draft Penix has become an anchor around the franchise’s neck. With Cousins struggling, Penix—who was expected to be the quarterback of the future—remains sidelined, adding fuel to an already fiery debate. Fans and analysts alike are questioning why a top-ten pick is not getting the opportunity to step in for an aging and increasingly ineffective Cousins.

While it’s clear the Falcons believed Penix would eventually take over, the team’s inability to make a decisive move and give him the reins has only deepened the frustration. The question many are asking now is: why didn’t Atlanta go in another direction in the offseason? With quarterbacks like Justin Fields, Russell Wilson, and Sam Darnold available at far cheaper rates, the Falcons could have easily added one of these quarterbacks, giving them the flexibility to develop Penix at his own pace.

Lamar Jackson: The Game-Changer

Now, in a dramatic twist, the Falcons are throwing their chips on the table with Lamar Jackson, one of the NFL’s most dynamic quarterbacks. The deal is a massive one, with Jackson set to join Atlanta in what is expected to be the most impactful free agency signing of the offseason. Jackson, who has long been one of the most electrifying dual-threat quarterbacks in the league, is poised to take over as the team’s starting QB, injecting new life into an offense that has sputtered under Cousins’ reign.

Jackson’s addition changes the entire trajectory of the Falcons. With his ability to both run and pass with elite skill, Jackson’s mobility and playmaking could revitalize the team’s offense. His signing also signals the end of the Cousins experiment, which had always been viewed as a short-term fix at best.

However, the deal also casts further doubt on the decision to draft Penix. By signing Jackson, the Falcons have essentially closed the door on giving their rookie quarterback a chance this season. Penix, once the centerpiece of their long-term plans, now faces a murky future in Atlanta. While the rookie’s development may still be a priority, the window to take the reins in 2024 has been slammed shut.

Frustrations With the Offseason Plan

The Falcons’ decision to add Cousins and draft Penix in the same offseason is now under intense scrutiny. There were clearly alternatives—whether it’s Fields, Wilson, or Darnold—players who could have started immediately or been more effective in this situation, while still allowing Penix to develop. Instead, the Falcons find themselves in the mess of their own creation: a quarterback controversy that never should have existed.

Had the Falcons used that top-ten pick on a player like Jared Verse, Brock Bowers, or another impact contributor, they could be in a much better position both this season and moving forward. Instead, they’re stuck in a precarious situation where their QB decision-making has only added layers of complexity to an already fractured season.

The Road Ahead

With Lamar Jackson now firmly in the fold, the Falcons have set their sights on rescuing their playoff aspirations and finally ending their long postseason drought. Jackson’s arrival could help stabilize the offense and give the team a fighting chance in the crowded NFC playoff race. But the lingering question remains: was all this truly necessary? Could the Falcons have built a better team by avoiding the missteps with Cousins and Penix?

In the coming days, Atlanta’s front office will likely face even more scrutiny over how they’ve handled their quarterback situation. For now, though, all eyes will be on Lamar Jackson as he takes over the keys to a franchise that has long been in search of a true leader under center.

Stay tuned for updates on Jackson’s first practice with the team and how the Falcons plan to navigate the rest of the season with their new star quarterback at the helm.