The 2022 season will be the start of a new era for the Falcons. After missing out in the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes, the team traded Matt Ryan, its starting quarterback since 2008. Marcus Mariota signed to start for the team, while Atlanta also drafted Desmond Ridder as a potential Ryan successor.
The Falcons are coming off of a 7–10 first season under coach Arthur Smith, who came over after a successful run as offensive coordinator of the Titans. It was a transitional year in many ways, even as Ryan remained under center.