ATLANTA — If the Falcons are serious about maximizing a roster that’s ready to win now, the quarterback answer for 2026 may not be complicated. Will Levis makes too much sense — philosophically, schematically and realistically — to ignore. Don’t believe us? Just ask NFL analyst Joe A on X.com.
The former Penn State and Kentucky quarterback checks nearly every physical box NFL decision-makers look for. Levis owns elite arm strength, NFL size (6-foot-4, 229 pounds) and the kind of velocity that can stress defenses horizontally and vertically. Those traits alone put him in rare company. He has already shown, at the NFL level, the ability to push the ball downfield, survive pressure and create explosive plays when protection breaks down. Tracking data consistently places Levis near the top of the league in average depth of target and velocity on throws outside the numbers — exactly the kind of juice Atlanta’s offense has lacked.
The fair critique? Processing speed and consistency. Levis has never been a finished product between the ears. But that concern softens significantly in a Kevin Stefanski offense, which thrives on simplified reads, heavy play-action, defined progressions and marrying the run and pass. Stefanski has a long track record of getting efficient quarterback play without asking his QB to be Superman. In that environment, Levis doesn’t need to be perfect — he just needs to be decisive.
Statistically, Levis has already flashed starter-level production despite instability around him. In limited action, he has delivered multiple multi-touchdown performances, shown toughness playing through contact and posted completion percentages that climb when operating off play-action. Those are not empty calories; they are translatable traits. With Atlanta’s skill talent and offensive line, his ceiling rises considerably.
That brings us to the alternative — Michael Penix Jr. The tools are obvious, but the results haven’t followed. Penix has struggled with efficiency, timing and pocket management at the NFL level. His completion rate and quarterback efficiency metrics place him in the bottom tier of starters, and the offense has often stalled with him under center. Arm strength alone hasn’t bridged the gap. For a franchise trying to win immediately, patience becomes a luxury Atlanta doesn’t have, especially with the laundry list of injury history that comes with Penix Jr.
Levis represents the best realistic option on the market — a quarterback with pedigree, traits and experience who still has upside. Atlanta is also the perfect second-chance landing spot: a stable organization, a proven offensive head coach and a roster built to support a quarterback rather than expose him.
The only real hang-up is health. Levis suffered a season-ending injury during training camp, opting to repair a shoulder he re-injured from the previous season.
If doctors sign off, the decision becomes much easier. A fourth-round pick is a small price to pay for a quarterback with franchise tools and unfinished business, but a third-rounder at worst case would likely seal the deal.
Need more confirmation? Ask Joe A on X, one of the league’s most trusted independent quarterback evaluators. Joe A has been consistently high on Levis’ arm talent, toughness and NFL viability, and EasySportz strongly values his track record when it comes to separating real quarterback traits from college hype and fan-based infatuation with Power 4 branding behind starters.
The Falcons don’t need perfection. They need functionality, upside and fit. Will Levis checks those boxes better than any realistic alternative at this moment. Kevin Stefanski is ready. The roster is ready. The window is open to win with Bijan Robinson and Drake London still on your roster.
Atlanta just has to be willing to move fast — and move on from the disastrous Michael Penix Jr. selection under former GM Terry Fontenot and coach Raheem Morris.
Hiring Kevin Stefanski during the first week on the job is a great step forward for Matt Ryan and the Falcons.
Now, it’s time to finalize the new GM hire, get a quarterback to compete and beat out Penix Jr. and maximize the potential of this roster.
Listen to Joe A, go get Will Levis. At worst, run it back with Kirk Cousins, who has experience under Stefanski from Minnesota.
Do not invest around Penix Jr. as your franchise quarterback. It sucks the No. 8 overall pick in a draft under two years ago is pretty much a total flop, but moving on is better than doubling down.
Admit the mistake, own it and move on from it. Rip the bandaid off now and it can be chalked up as a past failure by your previous regime.
Double down on Penix Jr. and you’re likely hiring another new front office in 2-3 seasons.
Check Out All EasySportz NFL Content Here!
Jaguars Season Preview, A Look Back!
