BREAKING: Falcons Not Signing Ravens QB Lamar Jackson; Desmond Ridder Starting?

Despite Lamar Jackson being available after the Baltimore Ravens placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on Tuesday, a report has stated the Atlanta Falcons will not try to sign the quarterback.

The Atlanta Falcons will not be one of the teams going after Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, according to a report by ESPN's Dianna Russini. 

"The Atlanta Falcons will not be pursuing QB Lamar Jackson," Russinni said moments after the Ravens tagged Jackson.

The Atlanta Falcons will not be pursuing QB Lamar Jackson, per sources.

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 7, 2023

The Ravens placed the non-exclusive tag on Jackson, meaning that other teams will have the opportunity to offer Jackson. But it would give the Ravens a chance to match any offer. The caveat is if the Ravens decide not to match, the team who signs Jackson will surrender two first-round picks. 

Russini's report ended the Falcon-faithful's dreams that Jackson would sign with Atlanta, giving them their franchise quarterback. 

Multiple other outlets, including FOX, NFL Network, and The Athletic, quickly confirmed this report from ESPN. 

The Atlanta Falcons will not be involved in the Lamar Jackson contract situation, according to a source. It was fun while it lasted.

— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) March 7, 2023

I know a lot of people think Lamar is going to Atlanta but I don’t see that happening

— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) March 7, 2023

Can add to @diannaESPN report… Falcons aren’t and haven’t been in on pursuing Lamar Jackson.

— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) March 7, 2023

With Jackson reportedly not in the plans for the Falcons this offseason, it looks like they will stick with their plan of Desmond Ridder being the starting quarterback in 2023. 

Ridder, the second-year quarterback out of Cincinnati, earned the job after finishing last season as the Falcons' starting quarterback leading them to a 2-2 record under center and ending on a two-game win streak. 

Albeit a small sample size, Ridder showed an upside as a passer, developing a connection with fellow rookie wide receiver Drake London and never turning the ball over, a problem that plagued Marcus Mariota. 

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