The Falcons have been linked to Justin Fields more than any other potentially available quarterback this offseason, but it might be Kirk Cousins that’s more likely.
When DraftKings released their opening odds for Justin Fields next team in 2024, the Falcons were right behind the Bears at +140 odds, but they’ve shifted since.
They have gone in favor of another team, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Arthur Smith’s new team is now the favorite to land Justin Fields at -125 odds after starting out at +550.
On the other hand, the Falcons have the best odds to land Kirk Cousins if the Vikings do not reach a deal with the soon-to-be free agent, according to DraftKings odds.
The Vikings remain the favorites, at -200, but the non-Minnesota favorite is Atlanta, at +300. Next is a return to Washington, at +500, and the Raiders at +800. The Titans and Patriots are both at +1200, and the Steelers are at +1600.
The Falcons may seem more desirable than a return to the Vikings for a few reasons. New offensive coordinator Zac Robinson learned under Sean McVay, similar to Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell. So, the familiarity with the system is attractive. The skill group, led by Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts, and Drake London, in Atlanta is also enticing.
Moreover, the NFC South is much more winnable than the NFC North, a division that features two playoff teams from 2023 in the Packers and Lions as well as a team in the Bears, who are still rebuilding but have more resources than any club to improve this offseason.
On the personal side of things, the Falcons are probably on his radar because his wife grew up in the metro area and her parents still apparently live there. Obviously, Minnesota has been their home for the last six years, but Atlanta isn’t completely foreign to them.
The Falcons would immediately become betting favorites to win their division next season. Though it wouldn’t address the long-term need for a quarterback, it would make the team competitive in 2024, and the Falcons could just look toward the future in the 2025 and 2026 cycles or maybe even double dip this offseason.
