The Atlanta Falcons have added another former Chicago Bears player to their roster, signing 30-year-old quarterback Nathan Peterman.
According to the team’s transaction wire from September 3, the Falcons brought Peterman onto their practice squad on Tuesday, making him their No. 3 quarterback behind veteran starter Kirk Cousins and rookie backup Michael Penix Jr.
Peterman spent the past two seasons with the Bears, appearing in five games and starting one in 2022. Initially, he served as the primary backup to Justin Fields at the start of the 2023 season, but this role was temporary as Chicago prepared Tyson Bagent for the position.
For the 2024 season, the Bears chose not to re-sign Peterman, instead signing veteran Brett Rypien during free agency and adding undrafted rookie Austin Reed as their No. 3 quarterback after the NFL Draft.
With no offer from the Bears, Peterman signed with the New Orleans Saints in March but was released in early August. He then joined the Las Vegas Raiders for the preseason but was cut during the 53-man roster reduction, leaving him a free agent before the regular season began.
The Falcons now have seven former Bears on their roster, including former starters Darnell Mooney and Eddie Goldman. They also have edge rusher Khalid Kareem, defensive lineman LaCale London, offensive tackle Elijah Wilkinson, and safety Dane Cruikshank on their practice squad.
To make room for Peterman, the Falcons released former Bear Julién Davenport.
Meanwhile, the Bears originally planned to bring back Rypien as their No. 3 quarterback but ended up signing Reed after Rypien joined the Minnesota Vikings’ active roster. Now, all eyes are on rookie Caleb Williams as he prepares for his debut as the Bears’ starting quarterback in their 2024 season opener against the Tennessee Titans on September 8.
