The Atlanta Falcons got their man on the opening day of free agency when they signed quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract. One month later, the team locked in on Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. and shocked the league by drafting him with the No. 8 pick.

The Falcons had a third QB on their offseason wishlist but were forced to wait a few months before acquiring him. On Thursday, the team signed former CFL quarterback Nathan Rourke. Atlanta reportedly tried to claim Rourke off waivers back in May and head coach Raheem Morris confirmed as much at Friday's open practice.

"Rourke was very high on our list and somebody we wanted to see," Morris told reporters about Atlanta's new QB. In 2022, Rourke won the CFL's "Most Outstanding Canadian" award, completing a league-record 78.7 percent of his passes with 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

Does Rourke's signing signify the end of veteran quarterback Taylor Heinicke's tenure in Atlanta? While it's not completely out of the question, Heinicke already took a pay cut and still has value because of the NFL's emergency third QB rule.

Rourke is someone the team can get a serious look at during Friday's preseason opener in Miami. The 26-year-old has developmental value and could be a prime practice squad candidate this season.

Cousins is unlikely to play in the preseason, so Rourke's playing time depends on how much Morris wants to play Penix and Heinicke against the Dolphins.

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons coach says QB Nathan Rourke 'was very high on our list'