The Atlanta Falcons Are Already Getting Tanking Whispers, and Their QB Mess Explains Why
We're not even through May and the 2026 NFL season tanking talk is already here. The NBA's tanking problem from last season? Yeah, it looks like it's spreading to football, and the Atlanta Falcons are suddenly in the conversation.
Here's the thing: the Falcons aren't trying to tank. They're genuinely trying to compete. But according to Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox, their situation is so messy that they could accidentally end up with a top pick in the 2027 draft anyway. And that's a problem when elite prospects like Arch Manning and Dante Moore are coming in the next draft class.
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👉 Claim Your Free $10 at KalshiThe QB Carousel Is Killing Atlanta's Season Before It Starts
Knox laid it out clean: if the Falcons can get above-average quarterback play, they're probably fighting for a playoff spot. But that's a massive "if" right now. Kirk Cousins is gone, off to the Raiders. Tua Tagovailoa hasn't played particularly well since 2023. And Michael Penix Jr., the 2024 first-round pick, is coming back from a torn ACL. That's not a situation built for success in 2026.
The team finished 8-9 last season, which tied them with the NFC South-winning Carolina Panthers. But without reliable QB play this year? Knox thinks they could be legitimately bad. Really bad.
Coaching Changes Don't Help Either
On top of everything else, constant changes in the coaching staff are adding fuel to the fire. Kevin Stefanski's team needs stability and winning quarterback play to compete in the NFC South. Right now they're getting neither.
The Falcons aren't as dire as the Jets, Cardinals, or Dolphins, which Knox flagged as the three biggest tanking candidates for Manning. But Atlanta could definitely be in the hunt for a high draft pick. And if they're looking ahead to 2027, guys like USC's Jayden Maiava or Notre Dame's C.J. Carr might start looking pretty good.
The bottom line: Atlanta's not planning to tank. But their quarterback situation might tank their season anyway. Big difference.
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This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.