In a surprising turn of events, quarterback Nathan Rourke has found himself joining the New York Giants after being waived by the New England Patriots earlier this week. However, it has been revealed that the Atlanta Falcons also made a waiver claim for Rourke's services.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Falcons had expressed interest in acquiring Rourke as well. But due to the NFL's priority list, the Giants had a higher claim than the Falcons, leading to Rourke ending up in New York instead of Atlanta.

If Rourke had landed with the Falcons, he would have become part of a fascinating quarterback situation. Atlanta made headlines during the 2024 NFL Draft by selecting Michael Penix Jr. as the eighth overall pick, just weeks after signing Kirk Cousins to a lucrative multiyear contract. Journeyman quarterback Taylor Heinicke is also on the Falcons' depth chart.

Meanwhile, in New York, Rourke will be competing with Giants' quarterbacks Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, and Tommy DeVito during the spring and summer. Surprisingly, the Giants did not select a quarterback with any of their six draft picks in 2024. It was reported that the G-Men had also attempted to trade for the Patriots' No. 3 overall selection, but their intentions were focused on a different premium position, according to Schefter.

As for the New England Patriots, their quarterback room now consists of rookies Drake Maye and Joe Milton III, as well as veterans Jacoby Brissett and Bailey Zappe. With Rourke's departure, the Patriots have revamped their quarterback lineup for the upcoming season.

It remains to be seen how Rourke will fare with the Giants and how the Falcons' quarterback situation will unfold. With intriguing developments ahead, NFL fans will surely be keeping a close eye on these teams as they prepare for the upcoming season.