Best 2021 NFL breakout candidate from every team

By Randy Gurzi | Jun 28, 2021

ASHBURN, VA - JUNE 02: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Washington Football Team hands the ball off to Antonio Gibson #24 of the Washington Football Team during the organized team activity at Inova Sports Performance Center on June 2, 2021 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

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May 25, 2021; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage (14) catches a pass during Falcons OTA at the Falcons Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Falcons: Russell Gage, Wide Receiver

The news cycle around the Atlanta Falcons for much of the offseason centered around wide receiver Julio Jones. There were rumors that he wanted out and that the team was ready to make a move and get what they could for the superstar wideout.

That story got out of control when Jones was on a call with Shannon Sharpe live on air, saying he wasn’t returning to Atlanta — and that created a bigger stir once it was revealed that Jones didn’t know he was on the air.

Jones eventually got his wish and was traded to the Tennessee Titans where he’s expected to flourish. Atlanta, meanwhile, is left wondering who will pick up the slack. Rookie tight end Kyle Pitts is expected to help as Calvin Ridley takes on the No. 1 role, but another name to watch is Russell Gage.

A former sixth-round pick out of LSU, Gage started to come on in 2020 with 786 yards on 72 receptions. He showed he was more than capable of being the No. 3 wideout on the team but his continued development over the past three seasons suggests he’s ready to become a star for the Dirty Birds.

He won’t need to be the top target but with so much attention going to Ridley and Pitts, Gage should have no problem racking up the numbers in their pass-happy offense.

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