Falcons' Marcus Mariota Says He'll 'Absolutely' Mentor Rookie Desmond Ridder

When asked about it during a Thursday press conference, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota said that he will be his mentor.

"Absolutely. I kind of always view that relationship in the quarterback room as important and special. I always felt that a good quarterback room can allow everybody to be better and allow everybody to grow. ... At the end of the day if they've got questions or I've got questions, they're a great set of eyes for me as well."

The Falcons signed a two-year, $18.75 million deal with a seven-year veteran. Matt Ryan started 14 years in Atlanta before the Falcons traded him to the Colts.

Ridder was picked up by the Falcons in the draft.

Ryan Tannehill, the starter for the TennesseeTitans, was asked about a potential relationship with a third-round pick in the upcoming season.

Tannehill said he meant no disrespect.

Ben Arthur, the ex-Liberty star, said there were no issues on the end of Willis. It wasn't anything negative. Ryan is a good guy.

The Falcons are trying to figure out a long-term solution at the position.

There are options at quarterback for the Falcons. There are several prospects in the draft class of 2023, including Ohio State's C.J. Stroud, Alabama's Bryce Young, and Miami's Tyler Van Dyke.

After the Ryan era, Atlanta is in a transitional period. The Falcons had a respectable seven-win season under new general manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Arthur Smith.

The Falcons look toward their season opener against the New Orleans Saints in September of 2022.