Who Should I Start? Easton Stick or Riley Leonard

Saturday, August 9, 4:13 PM

With Atlanta Falcons No. 1 quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and backup Kirk Cousins sitting out Friday, third-stringer Easton Stick got the start against the Detroit Lions. Stick impressed in a 17-10 loss, completing 15 of 18 attempts for 149 yards and a touchdown. The former fifth-round pick spent the first six seasons of his career with the Los Angeles Chargers before joining the Falcons in free agency this past spring. Stick appeared in six games with the Chargers (four starts) and completed 64% of passes with three touchdowns and an interception. If the Falcons keep three quarterbacks, Stick looks like the front-runner for the role, though he is competing with Emory Jones. The 25-year-old Jones has no regular-season experience in the NFL, but he did go 4-for-5 for 49 yards and add nine more yards on two rushes in relief of Stick on Friday. Stick and Jones will continue battling for a roster spot on Aug. 15 against the Tennessee Titans.

Saturday, April 26, 4:28 PM

The Indianapolis Colts have selected Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard with the 189th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. A Duke transfer, Leonard racked up 2,861 passing yards, 21 passing touchdowns, and eight interceptions during his one and only season with the Fighting Irish. He also rushed for 906 yards and another 17 touchdowns on the ground. Leonard is capable of making big, accurate throws down the field, but he can also keep defenses guessing with his ability to roll out of the pocket and make plays. He joins a Colts quarterback room that features two other mobile quarterbacks, Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones. Leonard likely won't earn playing time in Week 1, but with glaring quarterback questions in Indianapolis, he could push for an opportunity to earn snaps down the stretch.