The Atlanta Falcons Are Already Being Called Tank Candidates and Their QB Problem Is the Reason Why
We're not even through May and the tanking talk has already started. The NFL is borrowing a page from the NBA's playbook, and the Atlanta Falcons are right in the crosshairs.
Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox dropped some analysis this week that should have Falcons fans nervous. He pegged Atlanta as one of the NFL teams "most likely to tank" ahead of the 2027 draft, when elite prospects like Arch Manning and Dante Moore will be available. The Jets, Dolphins, and Cardinals are also in the conversation, but the Falcons could absolutely slide into that race if things go south fast.
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Let's be clear: Knox made a point that Atlanta isn't trying to tank. They shouldn't be. But the roster composition and coaching changes could force their hand anyway. The real issue? They finished 8-9 last season and have zero guarantee they'll improve this year.
The quarterback situation is a complete mess. Kirk Cousins bailed to the Raiders. Tagovailoa hasn't looked right since the 2023 season. Michael Penix Jr., their first-round pick from 2024, is coming off a torn ACL. Knox put it plainly: "If the Falcons can get above-average quarterback play, they're more likely to be in the playoff mix than the race for a top draft choice."
The Blueprint for Disaster Is Already There
Without reliable QB play, Atlanta could legitimately fall apart. Knox even listed potential landing spots for prospects like USC's Jayden Maiava, Notre Dame's C.J. Carr, and LaNorris Sellers as possible fits for Kevin Stefanski's offense if the Falcons do wind up hunting for the top pick.
The Falcons won't be as bad as the Jets, Cardinals, or Dolphins. But they're absolutely in the mix for a high pick if things don't turn around fast. That's the reality in Atlanta right now.
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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.