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2022 NFL: Worst offseason move for each of the 32 teams

By Randy Gurzi

May 25, 2022; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs the offense with wide receiver Amari Cooper (2) during organized team activities at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
May 25, 2022; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs the offense with wide receiver Amari Cooper (2) during organized team activities at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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2022 NFL
May 26, 2022; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) shown on the field at Falcons OTA at the Falcons Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Falcons: Replacing Matt Ryan with Marcus Mariota

Several teams were all-in on the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes, and for a moment, it appeared the Atlanta Falcons were going to land the coveted, but troubled, quarterback. In the end, Watson wound up choosing the Cleveland Browns but the damage was done in Atlanta.

Long-time starter Matt Ryan was left feeling disrespected and the two sides went separate ways. Ryan was traded to the Indianapolis Colts and that led to speculation that the Falcons could try and land Baker Mayfield, who lost his job to Watson.

That ended up not happening as Atlanta went a completely different route, bringing in Marcus Mariota. A former No. 2 overall pick in 2015, Mariota started 61 games for the Tennessee Titans and struggled with health and consistency throughout his tenure. He was eventually replaced by Ryan Tannehill and spent the past two seasons playing for the Las Vegas Raiders.

As a reserve behind Derek Carr, Mariota threw just 30 passes in that time and had 175 yards rushing with three total touchdowns.

Perhaps he rediscovers that magic that made him such a high pick but probably not. What will likely happen is the Falcons will be in the mix for the No. 1 overall pick in 2023. Perhaps they end up with a new starter but that doesn’t mean the move from Ryan to Mariota was a good one for their chances in 2022.

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