10 free agents the Atlanta Falcons must add to make the playoffs

8. Gardner Minshew, QB, Eagles

The Atlanta Falcons are out on the Lamar Jackson trade talks, which means they’ll stick with Desmond Ridder for another season. Having a reliable backup is a necessity. After releasing Marcus Mariota, the Falcons don’t have a reliable backup — that’s where Gardner Minshew comes in. In his short NFL career, Minshew tossed 44 touchdowns to 15 interceptions. In his lone season as a starter, he posted over 300 yards rushing and threw 21 touchdowns to just six interceptions. Minshew spot started a few games for the Eagles when Jalen Hurts got hurt and played pretty well.

7. Jonathan Jones, CB, New England Patriots

The Falcons’ depth at cornerback has been revealed in the absence of A.J. Terrell and Casey Hayward due to injuries. Although Dee Alford has demonstrated promise when given opportunities, Atlanta has mainly relied on Darren Hall, Cornell Armstrong, and Rashad Fenton, who was recently acquired. While each has shown flashes of potential, none have established themselves as long-term solutions besides Terrell, particularly with Hayward’s contract expiring after the next season.

Jonathan Jones will fill their slot position void. Jones developed into the Patriots’ top player in this position, and despite his small stature, he transitioned to the outside, where he performed admirably, despite a late-season decline that dampened some of his early progress. As a result of his position versatility, he is likely to command a higher salary in free agency, and he could serve as a dependable second option on the outside.