Just over a week after the start of the new league year, the Atlanta Falcons still have plenty of questions about their quarterback situation. Michael Penix Jr.’s starting role hasn’t changed but what’s behind him has plenty of uncertainty heading into next season.
Kirk Cousins remains a Falcon after the team picked up his $10 million roster bonus for the 2026 season last weekend. While Atlanta is waiting for a desperate team to offer something to trade for him, general manager Terry Fontenot needs to find a backup in case they decide to make a move before the start of training camp.
While that move didn’t come last week, it did involve a former Falcons quarterback who is returning to the team after a year away.
Falcons Sign Former QB-Turned-Tight End Feleipe Franks
The Falcons announced that they have signed Feleipe Franks to a one-year contract. Franks came to Atlanta as an undrafted quarterback out of the University of Florida but was moved to his current position midway through his rookie season.
At 6-foot-6 and 228 pounds, the conversion makes sense and the 27-year-old took on a special teams role last season with the Carolina Panthers. Franks posted a 79.3 grade on 304 special teams snaps according to Pro Football Focus and it was the highest grade among 20 qualifiers on the team last season.
While Franks missed the 2023 season due to injury, he’s carved out a suitable role and hopes to bring his special teams ability to Atlanta. The Falcons ranked 24th with a PFF grade of 75.4 on special teams last season and have already upgraded their return game with the signing of Jamal Agnew.
Franks’s return doesn’t mean much for Cousins, who will continue to wait and see if a team is desperate enough to make a trade. But it could help an underrated part of the Falcons game that could help them make the playoffs in 2025.