The Atlanta Falcons have worked a trio of extensions over the last few months, keeping Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Matthew Bergeron locked up long-term. The next domino expected to fall is what is almost guaranteed to be a record-setting deal for star rusher Bijan Robinson. Extending Robinson is an obvious decision as the Falcons continue to make a push to keep their best pieces in place for seasons to come.
However, the issue that is becoming more and more obvious is the fact that your best offensive pieces are aging, and you're no closer to finding an answer at the most important position. While there is plenty of road left for all four of the pieces, there is no denying that their rookie deals were wasted while the Falcons shuffled through Marcus Mariota, Taylor Heinicke, Desmond Ridder, Kirk Cousins, and Michael Penix Jr.
While there is still a sliver of hope for Penix, things aren't trending in the right direction, and there isn't a clear answer in the upcoming offseason. Atlanta is somewhat stuck in neutral, with enough talent to win 6-8 games a season and not enough to make a meaningful push to contend, while not losing enough to get into a position to add a franchise-changing quarterback.
Falcons Recent Extension Decisions Point to Ongoing Problem
Atlanta is too talented to tank completely and lacks the stability at the quarterback position to be a real threat to make a run to the playoffs. It is a frustrating reality that has left the franchise in an endless loop since the 2021 season. The only current hope is that Penix is able to take a surprise leap or Tagovailoa is able to follow in the path of Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield, breathing life back into his starting career.
It is important to note that this isn't to say the Falcons are making a mistake by opting to pay their best players. Rather, it is pointing out the frustrating reality of paying pieces that are yet to enjoy a single season of winning. Atlanta hasn't had a winning record in nearly a decade, dating all the way back to the 2017 season.
For this to change, something is going to have to give, or the front office is going to have to find a bit of luck at the quarterback position. No question, the re-signings are a win while also serving as a reminder of the frustrating ceiling that remains in place.
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