The Atlanta Falcons have put their name in the sweepstakes for Deshaun Watson's services. The Houston Texans quarterback wrapped in controversy looks set to play next season, leading teams to line up for a chance to acquire him.

According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, Atlanta is now a dark horse candidate to land Deshaun Watson:

The Falcons have emerged as a sleeper team to acquire Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, league sources tell Chris Mortensen and me. The Falcons join the Panthers, Saints and Browns as teams that have met with, or are interested in, trading for Watson. More to come on ESPN.

One point of emphasis is the previously existing relationship of Deshaun Watson with Falcons owner Arthur Blank. Deshaun Watson was born and raised in Gainesville, Georgia and played high school football in the area which got him on the Falcons' radar early on. He worked as a team ball boy and became familiar with the Blank family.

The Falcons have featured Matt Ryan at quarterback for the last 14 seasons. However, Matty Ice looks far removed from his 2016 MVP form. An upgrade to a younger Deshaun Watson is a prospect that may be too enticing to pass up, even at the expense of Matt Ryan.