Falcons Backup QB Free Agent Signing Shows How Desperate They Are

Exactly in line with head coach Arthur Smith's plan, it didn't take long for the Atlanta Falcons to find their next backup quarterback. In the wake of A.J. McCarron's crushing ACL tear, the Falcons will bring on Josh Rosen to take over the backup duties.

The speed of this signing is perhaps the most impressive part of this addition. Rosen, a free-agent with two years of experience, is one of the more notable NFL Draft busts from the past few seasons.

Rosen was one of five quarterbacks taken in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, and by far was the most disappointing. He lasted just one season with the Arizona Cardinals, in which he threw 11 touchdowns to 14 interceptions while averaging just 162.7 passing yards per game.

Three of the other four quarterbacks taken in the first round of that draft assume steady roles as their respective franchise QBs (Baker Mayfield, Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson). The other, Sam Darnold, still works as a starter but for a different team. Notably, Rosen (10th) was drafted ahead of Jackson (32nd).

Fortunately for Atlanta, their own starting quarterback Matt Ryan is a bit of an ironman. The 13-year NFL veteran has only missed three games in his entire career since entering the league in 2008.

Currently, the Falcons own +200 odds to make the playoffs in 2021, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

Sign up for FanDuel Sportsbook today and get your first bet risk free for up to $1,000!

Adam Taylor McKillop is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Adam Taylor also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username atmckillop. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.