Falcons news: Atlanta brass already locked in on 2027 QB class before Week 1 even starts

Within a day of the 2026 NFL season commencing, the Atlanta Falcons' leadership has already gained a first-hand view of two promising quarterbacks who could be available in the 2027 NFL Draft. General Manager Ian Cunningham and President of Football Matt Ryan journeyed to Stillwater, Oklahoma, for Saturday's clash between Oregon and Oklahoma State, which featured quarterbacks Dante Moore and Drew Mestemaker.

According to ESPN's Max Olson, a substantial number of NFL representatives, including Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort and 20 scouts, joined the Falcons contingent at the game. The scouting trip comes amid uncertainties surrounding the Falcons' quarterback situation, as Tua Tagovailoa will miss the Week 1 opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers due to an oblique injury and a previous back issue.

The Falcons currently have Michael Penix Jr. in their quarterback lineup, and the attendance of Cunningham and Ryan at the Oregon-Oklahoma State game does not guarantee they will pursue a quarterback in 2027. However, the presence of such high-profile figures evaluating Moore and Mestemaker before the 2026 season begins underscores the importance of this position.

For the time being, the immediate focus remains the Steelers game, but the Falcons' front office is already gathering intelligence on a potential pivotal quarterback class for the following year.