Can Frank Darby carve out a role in Falcons 2022 offense?

The Falcons’ roster is comprised of many one-year deals, which means Atlanta will have a lot of personnel turnover. Notably, the defensive side of the ball could experience an unprecedented percentage of snaps leave in free agency. As it stands today, without re-signing any impending free agents, the Falcons defense leads the entire league in snaps leaving in free agency.

Though the offensive side of the ball has fewer impending free agents as far as snaps go, a couple of areas have to be addressed. Tight end is one as Kyle Pitts, who rarely lines up attached to the line of scrimmage, is the only one under contract in 2022. Wide receiver is another.

The Falcons’ top three receivers will all be hitting free agency — Olamide Zaccheaus (57% of offensive snaps), Russell Gage (56%), and Tajae Sharpe (47%). The trio accounts for nearly 80% of all snaps by receivers, and without clarity on the Calvin Ridley situation, wideout is a position that has jumped to the top of the ‘needs list’ for Terry Fontenot.

Other than Ridley, Frank Darby is the only receiver under contract. Darby was only targeted four times this season, hauling in one of those for 14 yards on 20 total offensive snaps — 12 of which came in a blowout loss to the Cowboys. Essentially, the rookie had no meaningful snaps on offense, but unless the Falcons completely overhaul the position, Arthur Smith will have to rely on Darby next year more than he did this year.

Of course, Fontenot could elect to bring back Zaccheaus, Gage, and/or Sharpe, but I’d still expect Darby’s snaps on offense to increase in 2022. During last Friday’s press conference, the former sixth-round pick made some remarks that made me believe he could really carve out a role under Smith next season.

#Falcons rookie Frank Darby is always hyped. He’s working to be a contributor next year. Coach Dave Brock stressed to him “be on top of your game everyday.” pic.twitter.com/gJKBL1zX8s

— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) January 7, 2022

Falcons WR Frank Darby said one of the things he wanted to do this year is build trust with Matt Ryan. Called him a great teacher and pulled him off to the side to explain concepts they are trying to do. Seemed really thankful for Ryan this year.

— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) January 7, 2022

Darby’s infectious energy is one thing, but his desire to work and be better is so awesome to see. Complacency has no place in the NFL, especially for a sixth-round special teamer. Darby’s comments about building trust with his quarterback and being a contributor next year give me more confidence that he’ll eventually carve out a role in the future.

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Photo: Andrew Bershaw/Icon Sportswire