Atlanta trading longtime quarterback Matt Ryan to the Colts in March marked the end of an era for the Falcons, though there is little ambiguity on the team’s next starting QB.
Even with the franchise recently selecting Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder at No. 74 in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft, Falcons coach Arthur Smith told reporters Mariota currently gives the Falcons their best chance to win going forward.
“The best player is going to play but Marcus being the vet, that’s the way it’ll go starting out,” Smith said after the draft.