Falcons GM Ian Cunningham reveals why Atlanta is keeping four quarterbacks
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Falcons GM Ian Cunningham reveals why Atlanta is keeping four quarterbacks originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Atlanta Falcons aren’t taking any chances with the most important position on their roster.
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General manager Ian Cunningham explained Wednesday why Atlanta elected to carry four quarterbacks on its initial 53-man roster, describing the decision as “a little bit of an insurance policy” entering the 2026 season.
The Falcons currently have Michael Penix Jr., Tua Tagovailoa, Cooper Rush and undrafted rookie Jack Strand on the roster as they prepare for their Sept. 13 season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Falcons take no chances with Michael Penix Jr., Tua Tagovailoa
Atlanta has yet to publicly announce whether Penix or Tagovailoa will start Week 1, adding another layer of intrigue to an already crowded quarterback room.
Health has played a significant role in the Falcons’ approach.
Tagovailoa dealt with lower back tightness early in training camp, prompting Atlanta to bring in Rush as an experienced veteran option. Penix also has an extensive injury history dating back to college, making depth behind the Falcons’ top two quarterbacks particularly important.
But perhaps the biggest surprise has been Strand.
The undrafted rookie out of Division II Minnesota State-Moorhead received valuable first-team opportunities when injuries altered Atlanta’s training camp rotation. Instead of being overwhelmed, Strand impressed the organization enough to earn a spot on the 53-man roster.
“What it did show, it wasn’t too big for him, you know, to come in and do what he did early on,” Cunningham said.
Cunningham added that Strand continued to demonstrate “the ability to just progress and get better” throughout camp.
Keeping four quarterbacks is uncommon in today’s NFL because every roster position becomes valuable once teams trim to 53 players. For Atlanta, however, the potential security outweighed sacrificing additional depth elsewhere.
Rush provides veteran experience if the Falcons need an emergency starter, while Strand gives Atlanta a developmental option with upside.
The biggest question remains at the top.
Until Atlanta officially names its Week 1 starter, Penix and Tagovailoa will command most of the attention.
Behind them, though, the Falcons have made sure they have plenty of insurance.
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