Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons

Falcons sign quarterback from CFL among four roster moves

New England Patriots quarterback Nathan Rourke (13) warms up before an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Orchard Park, NY. (AP Photo/Matt Durisko)

Credit: AP

Credit: AP

New England Patriots quarterback Nathan Rourke (13) warms up before an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Orchard Park, NY. (AP Photo/Matt Durisko)
By
Aug 1, 2024

The Falcons signed quarterback Nathan Rourke, who won Most Outstanding Canadian in 2022 in the Canadian Football League, and tight end Jordan Thomas on Thursday.

In return, the team released quarterback John Paddock and wide receiver Daylen Baldwin. Paddock signed as undrafted free agent in April, and Baldwin joined the team in May.

Rourke, listed at 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, played at Ohio University. He appeared in 18 games for the B.C. Lions of the CFL over two seasons, completing 307 of 406 pass attempts for 4,103 yards and 28 touchdowns. In 2022 he passed for 3,349 yards and 25 touchdowns.

Rourke spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars, New England Patriots, and the New York Giants from 2023-24.

About the Author

Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.

Follow D. Orlando Ledbetter on facebookFollow D. Orlando Ledbetter on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

Carolina Panthers place kicker Ryan Fitzgerald (10) celebrates his game wining field goal during overtime of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Credit: AP

Bryce Young passes for franchise-record 448 yards to lift Panthers to 30-27 win over Falcons in OT

Bryce Young passed for a career-high and franchise-record 448 yards and Ryan Fitzgerald kicked a 28-yard field goal in overtime to lift the Carolina Panthers to a 30-27 win ov

Falcons’ defense couldn’t protect another lead, gave up big 54-yard play in OT

The Falcons' depleted secondary allowed Panthers quarterback Bryce Young to pass for a franchise-record 448 yards in a 30-27 overtime loss on Sunday.

Falcons put Penix on injured reserve; he’ll miss at least 4 games.

Kirk Cousins will be the starting QB after taking the reins in third quarter of Sunday’s loss.

The Latest

Falcons coach Raheem Morris (center) has a discussion with referees during the second half against the Panthers on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Falcons’ Morris on losing Penix to injury: ‘It’s just heartbreaking’

OPINION

Falcons’ Plan B is Kirk Cousins, which isn’t the most hopeful plan

Cousins, defense and more: 5 things we learned in the Falcons’ loss to Panthers

Featured

Travelers wait in Concourse F, the international terminal, at Hartsfield-Jackson airport in Atlanta on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (Arvin Temkar / AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

Why cell service, Wi-Fi have been spotty at ATL’s international terminal

There are several reasons why it has been tough to get reliable cell service and Wi-Fi access at Concourse F and the international terminal. A completed fix is coming soon.

POLITICALLY GEORGIA

Georgia’s top Republican US Senate candidates now back release of Epstein files

U.S. Reps. Buddy Carter, Mike Collins and Derek Dooley say they back a bill in the U.S. House that to force the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, who died in 2019.

Falcons put Penix on injured reserve; he’ll miss at least 4 games.

Kirk Cousins will be the starting QB after taking the reins in third quarter of Sunday’s loss.