The Atlanta FalconsAfter trading away the franchise quarterback, it was only days later that he died. Matt RyanWednesday, they acknowledged that they are currently going through a franchise-wide transition.
Although coach Arthur Smith and Terry Fontenot were reluctant to use the term “rebuilding”, Fontenot said that the franchise was “taking it on their chin this season” in terms the team’s dead cash.
Atlanta now faces $62 Million in dead-money accusations after Ryan’s Monday trade. ColtsThe 2021 deal with the TitansIt sent former stars receivers Julio JonesTennessee
However, the Falcons don’t see it as rebuilding. Fontenot stated, “It is not something that we ever want” to admit. The Falcons are clearly in a transition period, regardless of what leadership might say.
Smith stated, “I don’t know who coach will coach a team to say, ‘Hey guys! We’re rebuilding.'” “I know where we are at, we’re in transition. There are elements that you understand, but you’re always rebuilding in the NFL. Your roster is constantly changing from year to year.
“It’s more a team philosophy in players that we have competing every day and coaches. So I get that you are referring to big-picture. I don’t dismiss it. However, I am referring to your charge in the National Football League. Our goal is to win football matches.
This is more evident than ever for the Falcons at quarterback. Ryan was traded by the Falcons and he signed the 2015 No. 2 pick Marcus MariotaAnd pursued a potential trade Deshaun Watson.
Ryan was traded to the Falcons in exchange for a third-round pick. Ryan said that he was involved in discussions about possible trades. This included allowing Ryan to speak with other teams as well as identifying destinations where he would love to play.
Fontenot stated that Atlanta had thought about trading Ryan before Watson became available and that they wanted to give Ryan a chance to say so when they made the decision to trade the former MVP.
Fontenot stated that they could have had a lengthy process and then shopped him, going through all this and trading him somewhere he didn’t want to go. We talked about it. We agreed that if we are going down this path, we need to make sure Matt is there. He has to be part of it.”
Smith said that he was excited to work alongside Mariota, who signed for the Falcons just hours after Ryan’s trade. Mariota had previously played under Smith in Tennessee as the offensive coordinator in 2019, the same year Mariota got demoted to a back-up role. Ryan Tannehill.
Smith stated that Smith and he have seen a lot of progress. “I mean, ironically, [Mariota and Tannehill]Ryan Tannehill is a completely different player, but he was there when he arrived. Marcus is a high-end player, just like Ryan. He was a first round pick, and he’s now in a completely different place in his career.
Marcus is a person I trust and Marcus will come in here to give us all he has. He has a high-end talent and is able to understand the past. They’ve taught him, and I have learned from them. You’re excited about this opportunity.”
Fontenot said that the Falcons would add at least one additional quarterback to their roster. The only ones currently on the roster are Mariota, and the second-year pro Feleipe Franks— Either through free agency, or in the next month’s draft.
Fontenot stated that “we are not going to achieve and do anything that we aren’t excited about.” The Falcons were present Malik WillisLiberty will host a pro-day Tuesday. You can also plan to attend other pro-days this week. Matt CorralOle Miss and Desmond RidderCincinnati
Although the Falcons may have considered moving Ryan prior to becoming involved in the Watson trade negotiations, the pursuit that was made public did indicate their interest in making a move.
Fontenot and Smith declined the request to comment on whether they had spoken with any of the 22 women who filed Harris County, Texas lawsuits against Watson. The allegations range from sexual assault to inappropriate behavior or with Tony Buzbee, the women’s lawyer. They did not mention whether they had read any of the 22 complaints. Buzbee stated to ESPN that he has not spoken to any NFL teams.
Smith stated, “We are not going to get involved in our process.” “We wouldn’t trade any potential players. While we understand the seriousness and importance of your questions, we are not going to comment on a civil case.
Fontenot did however say that Watson was the subject of a Falcons look at and that they made a collective decision to explore a trade for him. Fontenot stated that the Falcons did not feel certain they would have Watson in Atlanta at any point.
Fontenot stated that if Watson had chosen Atlanta, it would have been “such a complicated process” — which would include negotiations with the TexansWatson stating that he wants to play with the Falcons was not enough.
Atlanta failed to land Watson. Instead, Ryan was sold and Mariota was purchased. This marked a shift that franchise leaders knew was coming.
Smith stated, “Our charge isn’t to be stuck in such a limbo area.” We will build this thing right. We’re going be competitive this year. This is our charge as a coach and team. We are not content to just rebuild.