The Falcons added some depth to the quarterback position on Wednesday. They claimed veteran Matt Barkley off of waivers from the Panthers (Twitter link via ESPN’s Field Yates). 
According to the team release, the move was made necessary after undrafted rookie Feleipe Franks was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. It also gives the team the option to continue making Josh Rosen inactive on game days.
Barkley, 31, was originally a fourth round pick of the Eagles in 2013. Since then, he has had stints with six other teams including Carolina most recently. In seven career starts, he has a 2-5 record, a 58.4% completion percentage and an 11:22 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Barkley’s most recent game action came in 2020 with the Bills.
Barkley departs Carolina without having appeared for the team after signing in November. The Falcons will be his third team of 2021, after he originally signed a one-year deal with the Titans in the offseason. Barkley’s first action in Atlanta could come in a familiar stadium, as the Falcons travel to Buffalo in Week 17.
If claiming Barkley makes Rosen inactive, then it’s probably worth it.
Josh Rosen. Wow. He has to be one of the worst draft picks of all time!
I get Barkley is probably a better back up option but why have Rosen inactive and not just release him?
Wondered the same thing. I look forward to the replies to provide an answer
Uh, yea, why keep him inactive!!??
Why is he even there?
Be nice if Mr. La Rose
added some context!
“11:22 touchdown-to-interception ratio”
So you mean a 1:2 ratio. Otherwise, the statement needs to be rewritten to… “In his career, Barkley has 11 touchdowns to 22 interceptions.”