7-9-1 almost got the Atlanta Falcons into the playoffs. With the 2023 free agency approaching, there are 10 players who can help them take the division.
The Atlanta Falcons exceeded expectations by finishing the 2022 season with a 7-9-1 record. Head Coach Arthur Smith did an admirable job coaching a roster with many question marks, especially at the quarterback position. While Marcus Mariota played most of the season, he didn’t prove that he was the long-term solution. However, they did get a glimpse of Desmond Ridder’s potential, which may have convinced General Manager Terry Fontenot to avoid drafting a quarterback in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft.
Atlanta Falcons must be active early and often in 2023 NFL Free Agency
Defense was one of the weakest aspects of the Falcons team, surrendering an average of 362 yards per game. However, they do have core guys, defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, Rashaan Evans, and Lorenzo Carter are core guys on the defense. Evans will probably get a deal done to solidify the middle, while Mykal Walker showed promise.
The Falcons’ offense showed a lot of promise, but injuries to Kyle Pitts limited their success. Nonetheless, Pitts is a talented player, and rookie Drake London made a significant impact on the outside. The Falcons’ strength was their running game, which was led by two powerful rookie backs, Tyler Allgeier and Caleb Huntley. Allgeier had an impressive season, rushing for over 1,000 yards, while Huntley added over 300 yards. Veteran Cordelle Patterson also contributed with 695 yards on the ground.
The New Orleans Saints’ acquisition of Derek Carr will undoubtedly make them a stronger team than they were last season. However, in the NFL, winning the division is crucial, and the Falcons have a real shot at taking the NFC South title. With a ton of cap space, the Falcons can add some key free-agent additions to achieve this goal.
10. Geoff Swaim, TE, Tennessee Titans
Geoff Swaim is a skilled tight end with a strong ability to block as an in-line blocker. He is a reliable and consistent performer who is known for his physicality and toughness on the field. Swaim’s strength lies in his ability to make crucial blocks and create opportunities for his teammates on the field. He would be an excellent addition to the Falcons, especially in Arthur Smith’s run-heavy scheme. Swaim’s experience and skill set make him a perfect fit for the team, especially in red-zone situations where his blocking abilities can help create scoring opportunities for the team.
9. Shaquill Griffin, CB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Last season, the Falcons faced a significant number of injuries at their cornerback position. Bringing in experienced players could greatly improve their situation, with Shaquille Griffin being a potential option. Although Griffin is recovering from a back injury that limited his playing time in 2022, he could offer good value if acquired at a discounted price. Despite being released by the Jaguars after two years of a three-year, $44.5 million free-agent contract, Griffin has started in 72 games over his six NFL seasons and was selected to the Pro Bowl as an injury replacement in 2019. A one-year contract could provide the Falcons depth and competition at the outside corner position.
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.
6. Nate Davis, G, Tennessee Titans
The Titans’ Nate Davis (26), who was chosen in the third round of the 2019 draft, played at a Pro Bowl-caliber level in 2020 for one of the top offenses in the NFL. Unfortunately, various injuries have caused him to miss eight games in the last two seasons. The Atlanta Falcons have the opportunity to bring him back together with Arthur Smith and address their need for an offensive guard, which would enhance their already impressive running game. A team can never have too many linemen, and adding a young player like Davis would do wonders for the Falcons.
5. Billy Turner, RT, Denver Broncos
Hopefully, the Falcons can retain Kaleb McGary and he won’t command a ton of money. If not, they should look for his replacement in the 2023 NFL Draft and via free agency. Billy Turner would make for a great replacement for McGary should he bolt in free agency. He’s a starting right tackle who helped out in the run game with the Denver Broncos. He probably wouldn’t command a lot of money. Worse case, he’ll add depth if McGary returns. Having depth and a guy who can spot-start should be a top priority for the Falcons.
4. Mack Hollins, WR, Las Vegas Raiders
When considering free-agent wide receiver targets, it may take a while before you consider Mack Hollins. Nevertheless, the Atlanta Falcons could consider someone of Hollins’ stature and skill set to assist Desmond Ridder or whoever is under center for the Falcons. First off, the journeyman wideout is 6’4″ and weighs 220 pounds, making him a special teams ace and an excellent run blocker.
He’s a boundary-only wideout who can line up opposite Kyle Pitts and Drake London, providing the quarterback with towering weapons. Hollins is the typical deep-threat big wideout who runs post, go routes, and jump balls. An Arthur Smith run-heavy play-action offense and Hollins are a perfect match.
3. David Onyemata, DT, New Orleans Saints
Finding more ways to get the quarterback is a must for the Falcons, plucking a player like David Onyemata from their rivals makes sense. The Falcons need to find ways to get to the quarterback and adding another defensive tackle who can generate pressure is a must. Last season, the defensive tackle for the Saints accumulated five sacks and achieved a career-best of 6.5 sacks in 2020. However, his pass pressure percentage has declined in recent years, with figures of 12.6 in 2020, 12.1 in 2021, and 9.6 in 2022.
2. Arden Key, Edge, Jacksonville Jaguars
Arden Key has played for three different teams since being drafted in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft and is now reportedly a potential fit for the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons have struggled to generate a pass rush, and Key could be a valuable addition to their team by coming in on obvious passing downs to pressure the quarterback. Although he is more suited for a situational role rather than a full-time starter, Key’s pressure rate of 14.4 percent (20th in the NFL among players with at least 200 pass rush snaps) demonstrates his efficiency and potential value.
At 6’4″ and 240 pounds, Key has the versatility to line up as an on-ball or off-ball linebacker in the Falcons’ defense. Although he may not command a large salary, his youth and potential effectiveness make him an attractive prospect for any team in need of a pass-rushing boost.
1. Marcus Davenport, DE, New Orleans Saints
Change will probably come to the Atlanta Falcons’ defense. Adding a pass rusher is a must for the Atlanta Falcons, who struggled to get to the quarterback and reunited him with his former coach, Ryan Nielsen, who he played for during their time with New Orleans Saints. Davenport never lived up to expectations, but he’s just 26 years old with room to grow. He had his best season with nine sacks with a staff that featured Ryan Nielsen.
Nine sacks aren’t a lot, but it’s more than any player the Falcons currently have on their roster. He can help some of the other players acclimate to a defense that will run a combination of odd and even fronts. The 6’6″ 265-pound edge rusher can play with his hand in the dirt as a five-technique in a 3-4 defense and help set the tone as a run defender.