The Atlanta Falcons recently tried to add another quarterback to their depth chart

Are the Atlanta Falcons trying to corner the quarterback market? First, they handed Kirk Cousins ​​over $100 million in guarantees. Then Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot doubled down by drafting Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Given that the Falcons also have a veteran with 29 NFL starts under his belt in Taylor Heinicke, one would think that Atlanta’s quarterback depth chart is largely set. They have their 2024 starter in Cousins, their franchise QB of the future in Penix, and an accomplished backup who can not only help Cousins ​​prepare each week, but also help upgrade their first-round prospect to the pros.

The Falcons also added undrafted free agent John Paddock, giving Atlanta a camp to evaluate over the coming months. Yet having four quarterbacks still wasn’t enough for the Falcons.

The Atlanta Falcons were also eyeing Nathan Rourke

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Falcons have also requested a waiver for the former CFL star. Nathan Rourke after being released from the New England Patriots. Still, the Falcons weren’t the only team interested in the 25-year-old.

Also filing for waivers was the New York Giants, who got Rourke due to their worse record than Atlanta last season.

Still, the attempt to add Rourke is interesting. It’s possible the Falcons viewed him as a better version of Paddock, raising the level of competition for a chance to make the team as a practice squad QB or perhaps pushing Heinicke for the third QB position.

Regardless, the Falcons didn’t get Rourke, but that doesn’t mean they’re still looking for another quarterback. After all, isn’t four enough?

Related: 2024 NFL QB Rankings: From Patrick Mahomes to Gardner Minshew