Falcons Must Figure out QB Plan amid Latest Bill Belichick, NFL Rumors

The New England Patriots and head coach Bill Belichick formally announced their decision to part ways on Thursday. Most assume that the 71-year-old will look to continue his coaching career elsewhere, and the Atlanta Falcons would reportedly be thrilled to hire him.

ESPN's Dan Graziano reported that the Falcons and Washington Commanders are teams that fans should "expect" to hear discussed as potential landing spots. The Athletic's Dianna Russini was even more specific, reporting that Atlanta has been interested in Belichick since before the season ended.

While Russini reported that Atlanta has other candidates, one has to assume that Belichick is near the top of the wish list.

But how attractive might the Falcons be for Belichick? The future Hall of Famer will likely have several options, but Atlanta could have a big advantage. Among the seven other teams (not counting New England) with vacancies—Atlanta, Washington, the Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers, Carolina Panthers and Tennessee Titans—Atlanta might be the closest to providing a playoff foundation.

While the Falcons have finished with seven wins in each of the last three seasons, the NFC South has been won by a team with nine or fewer wins in each of the last two.

Atlanta also has several key pieces already in place—a quality receiver in Drake London, a potentially elite tight end in Kyle Pitts, a budding star running back in Bijan Robinson and a defense that ranked 11th overall this past season.

Some may question whether Belichick, who had personnel control in New England, would be willing to work with Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot, who appears to be staying:

However, that might not be an issue. Belichick hinted that he'd be willing to relinquish some control in order to stay in New England before the split became official. Having a GM in place might not take Atlanta off the table.

What could prevent the Falcons from seriously interesting Belichick, however, is the team's lack of an established quarterback. After going through the carousel of Cam Netwon, Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe over the last four years, Belichick may want no part of an uncertain QB situation.

That's exactly what the Falcons have right now. 2022 third-round pick Desmond Ridder didn't show enough to establish himself in Year 2, and backup Taylor Heinicke wasn't any better.

This might be less of an issue for potential first-time head coaches—like trendy candidates Ben Johnson and Mike Macdonald—who could be thrilled just to get an opportunity and/or might believe they can win with Ridder.

Belichick isn't about to jump at the first opportunity he can get.

If the Falcons hope to lure Belichick—or another proven head coach, like Mike Vrabel, for that matter—they need to have a clear and comprehensive plan in place for improving the game's most important position.

That plan might involve pursuing an impending free agent like Kirk Cousins or Baker Mayfield—the Patriots were reportedly very interested in Mayfield ahead of the 2018 draft. It might involve making a play for Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields, should the Bears make him available.

Or, it might involve making a significant trade up in the draft for a prospect like USC's Caleb Williams or North Carolina's Drake Maye. That could be tricky, as Atlanta is currently holding the eighth overall pick, but it's not impossible.

While even an elite draft prospect is still unproven, Maye and Williams are about as close to a "can't miss" option as a QB-need team is likely to find.

The Falcons have arguably the most attractive roster of any team with an opening. However, teams like Washington (No. 2 pick), Los Angeles (Justin Herbert) and even Tennessee (Will Levis) have clearer directions at quarterback.

Unless the Fontenot and the Falcons can paint their own clear picture of what they plan to do at quarterback, they'll struggle to separate themselves from other teams this hiring cycle.