Failed Falcons QB Somehow Lands Another Backup Gig

Sep 16, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Sep 16, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Falcons quarterback situation continues to be worthy of a bucket of popcorn this offseason. Kirk Cousins is expected to be traded any day now and Michael Penix is set to begin his first full season as a starter. But while the dynamic between the current quarterbacks is ready for Netflix, there’s a long list of former Falcons quarterbacks that have their own storyllines.

One former quarterback who used to call Atlanta home found a new job this week. While he doesn’t have an expansive resume, there are still teams that believe he brings something to the table, leading him to find another backup gig that has many football fans scratching their head.

Bengals Sign Former Falcons Quarterback Logan Woodside

The Cincinnati Bengals announced Wednesday morning they have agreed to terms with former Falcons quarterback Logan Woodside. The Toledo product was selected by Cincinnati in the seventh-round of the 2018 NFL Draft and has spent time with the Tennessee Titans (2019-22) and the Falcons (2022-23) before spending last year with the Bengals.

It’s not uncommon for a late round pick to bounce around the league, but it’s interesting to see a quarterback with Woodside’s resume remain in the NFL. Woodside has appeared in just 13 games during his career and even had a stint with the San Antonio Commanders in the failed Alliance of American Football before the league folded in 2019. He also has just 11 pass attempts during his career, which isn’t the type of player you want coming into a game.

Compare this to former Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder. A third-round pick in the 2022 draft, Ridder spent two seasons as the Falcons starter before he was traded to the Arizona Cardinals, sat on their practice squad and was traded again to the Las Vegas Raiders last season. Ridder is still looking for a job and Woodside is employed backing up Joe Burrow and Jake Browning.

So what gives? It’s probably because Woodside brings something behind the scenes. Most NFL teams prefer their third string quarterback to be a coach of sorts and lending an extra pair of eyes to the players in front of them. SI’s Jay Morrison hinted at this when he noted that Woodside continues to be in the league despite his limited on-field experience.

Perhaps this could be the runway for a coaching career for Woodside when the 30-year-old hangs up the cleats. Learning from a Sean McVay disciple (Zac Taylor) is also a great way to jumpstart a coaching career and cashing another year of NFL player checks isn’t a bad thing as he looks to make connections.

More Atlanta Falcons News & Rumors: