The Atlanta Falcons and New York Giants are reportedly interested in the same rookie quarterback draft prospect after signing a signal caller in the first wave of free agency this week. The Falcons made the biggest free agency splash this year when they agreed to a deal with Kirk Cousins.
The Atlanta Falcons and New York Giants added QBs this week
Atlanta Falcons, Kirk Cousins
Jan 1, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
The Falcons are set to pay the 35-year-old quarterback over $45 million per year after he recovers from an Achilles injury. The Falcons signed tight end Charlie Woerner and wide receiver Darnell Mooney to play with Cousins.Ezoic
The Giants made a smaller but noticeable addition to their quarterback room. Following reports of Tyrod Taylor’s bolt to the New York Jets, the Giants agreed to a deal with former Denver Broncos starting quarterback Drew Lock. Lock’s deal gives the Giants wiggle room with the No. 6 pick in the draft. They can add an elite wide receiver or take a rookie quarterback if, indeed, they want to move on from Daniel Jones this offseason.
The Giants and Falcons showed an interest in Spencer Rattler
Nov 18, 2023; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) looks to pass against the Kentucky Wildcats in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports Kentucky
One report suggests the Falcons and Giants could add to their quarterback room on Day 2 of the draft. Per Tony Pauline with Sportskeeda, the Falcons and Giants had multiple representatives at South Carolina’s pro day to watch Spencer Rattler throw. The Las Vegas Raiders and Denver Broncos had less significant pieces of their staff in attendance:
Rattler was spot on with his passes, not missing a single throw, though there were two drops. His passes were crisp, showed excellent speed and were right on the money. Rattler was one of the few quarterbacks at the Combine who did all the testing and he sat on his marks from Indianapolis.
The Las Vegas Raiders had their passing coordinator on hand for the workout, the Atlanta Falcons had a large contingent present the day after signing Krik Cousins to a massive free agent deal, and the New York Giants also had decision makers on hand. Ironically the Denver Broncos just had scouts in attendance.
Rattler has an upside for whoever takes a risk on him
Mar 2, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler (QB10) during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Falcons could consider a succession plan if Cousins’s play goes south following the Achilles injury. Rattler could also serve as a cheap backup in Atlanta. At the NFL Combine, new head coach Raheem Morris made it clear how he felt about the quarterbacks on the depth chart from the 2023 season, and he’s not impressed.Ezoic
In the tape I’ve seen, Rattler has tremendous upside. It could be interesting if the Giants take a wide receiver in the first round and take a risk on Rattler as a potential starter with a rebuilt offense. The Giants need a quarterback, but with Saquon Barkley gone to Philadelphia, New York desperately needs other skilled playmakers.
