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3 free agents the Atlanta Falcons could still pursue

By Russell S. Baxter

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 03: Carlos Dunlap II #8 of the Seattle Seahawks walks onto the field prior the start of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on October 03, 2021 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 03: Carlos Dunlap II #8 of the Seattle Seahawks walks onto the field prior the start of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on October 03, 2021 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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The team hasn’t reached the playoffs since 2017. That’s one reason there’s been a lot of changes for the Atlanta Falcons this offseason. Will there be more?

It’s a franchise that has been subpar the past four seasons. After reaching Super Bowl LI in 2016 and returning to the playoffs a year later, the Atlanta Falcons have posted nothing but losing seasons since. All told, the club owns a disappointing combined 25-40 record over that span.

A year ago, new head coach Arthur Smith led the team to a 7-10 record. What was startling was the team’s point differential for this season – a disturbing minus-146.

This offseason, general manager Terry Fontenot has not only been especially busy signing veteran free agents but made one of 2022’s bigger trades. The team did deal veteran quarterback Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts.

Former first-round draft choice Calvin Ridley will be sitting out this season due to suspension. The Falcons used a first-round pick on wide receiver Drake London and have added many players at that position.

But is Fontenot done adding experienced performers? Here are three players that could help Atlanta’s defense.

Atlanta Falcons
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 04: Xavier Rhodes #27 of the Indianapolis Colts walks off the field after the game against the New York Jets at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 04, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

Atlanta Falcons target no. 3: CB Xavier Rhodes (Indianapolis Colts)

How bad were the Falcons when it came to stopping the opposition this past year? Only the New York Jets (504) and Detroit Lions (467) allowed more points in 2021 than Arthur Smith’s club (459, tied with the Los Angeles Chargers).

Atlanta surrendered 50 offensive touchdowns in 17 outings – 31 of those through the air.

Among the notable additions in the secondary are cornerback Casey Hayward (Raiders) and safety Dean Marlowe (Lions). It’s also worth noting that the Falcons did not select a defensive back in April’s draft.

Three-time Pro Bowler Xavier Rhodes has 13 interceptions in nine seasons. He’s also amassed an impressive 92 passes defensed.

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