There’s been quite a bit to process in Atlanta over the last few weeks. From Calvin Ridley’s suspension, to Deshaun Watson rumors and now Matt Ryan being traded after 14 seasons, Falcons fans are in a state of shock to some degree.
But you can’t dwell for on things for long in the NFL, and shortly after Ryan’s trade was announced, the Falcons signed free-agent quarterback Marcus Mariota to a two-year deal worth a reported $18.75 million.
Mariota, 28, is an affordable option with enough upside to make things interesting this season at the very least. Atlanta hasn’t yet ruled out drafting a quarterback, but it seems very likely that we see Mariota finally get a chance to start again either way.
Here are eight things to know about the team’s new QB.