Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) warms up before a game against the Boise State Broncos at Autzen Stadium.
Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
The Atlanta Falcons have not even played their first game of the 2026 season, but their top decision-makers are already getting an early look at two potential quarterbacks in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham and president of football Matt Ryan traveled to Stillwater, Oklahoma, for Saturday's matchup between Oregon and Oklahoma State, featuring quarterbacks Dante Moore and Drew Mestemaker.
ESPN's Max Olson reported Saturday on X, formerly known as Twitter, that Atlanta's brass was among a significant NFL contingent attending the game.
“Strong turnout of NFL folks here in Stillwater to watch Dante Moore vs. Drew Mestemaker,” Olson wrote.
“Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort, Falcons GM Ian Cunningham, Falcons president of football Matt Ryan and 20 scouts are in attendance today.”
Falcons get early look at potential 2027 quarterback options
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The scouting trip comes at an interesting time for Atlanta. The Falcons are preparing for their Week 1 road matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on FOX, but their quarterback situation already carries uncertainty.
Tua Tagovailoa has been ruled out for the season opener because of an oblique injury after experiencing discomfort during practice. Tagovailoa also dealt with a back issue earlier in training camp.
Atlanta signed Tagovailoa this offseason after the Miami Dolphins released him, adding him to a quarterback room that also features Michael Penix Jr.
The presence of Cunningham and Ryan at Saturday's Oregon-Oklahoma State matchup does not guarantee the Falcons will pursue a quarterback in 2027. However, having two of the organization's most prominent football decision-makers personally evaluate Moore and Mestemaker before Atlanta's 2026 season even begins makes the position worth monitoring.
For now, the Falcons' immediate focus remains Pittsburgh, but their front office is already doing homework on what could become a pivotal 2027 quarterback class.