The first day of the legal tampering period brought a ton of news for the Falcons.
Terry Fontenot came out of the gates sprinting, agreeing in principle to a four-year, $180 million deal with Kirk Cousins, solidifying the quarterback position in Atlanta for the first time since Matt Ryan.
The decision at signal caller was going to dictate the rest of the Falcons’ offseason. So far, it’s been a great day for Atlanta, but it hasn’t been all good.
About an hour after the opening bell at noon, Ian Rapoport reported that the Jaguars would be signing Gabe Davis to a three-year deal. The former Bills wideout was a potential Falcons free agent target, but that’s not why it’s bad news.
With Jacksonville acquiring Davis, the writing is on the wall for Calvin Ridley. The former first-round pick is testing free agency, and all signs point to him signing elsewhere, negatively impacting Atlanta.
The Jaguars currently owe the Falcons their third-round pick in April’s draft, but that could turn into a second-rounder if Jacksonville re-signs Atlanta’s 2018 first-round pick before the new league year. That seems extremely unlikely now.
Ridley had 76 catches for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns last season but did face inconsistencies at times. Nearly two years away from the game tends to affect a player, though.
Still, it may not end up all bad for the Falcons. A couple of weeks ago, Atlanta had the best odds of landing him in free agency if he didn’t return to Jacksonville, per BetOnline.
With a clear need at the position, the Falcons would be foolish not to spin the wheels on a potential reunion if the money makes sense.
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Photographer: David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire
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