The Falcons coaching staff under Raheem Morris is rounding into form; before we know it, free agency will be here.
Terry Fontenot does have some tasks before then, though. An A.J. Terrell extension is on the docket, and Atlanta has several impending free agents that could be brought back, most importantly, Calais Campbell.
The Falcons GM will then turn his focus to free agency, where he’s set to have $25 million at his disposal. However, Fontenot can create nearly $20 million in cap space without restructuring a single contract. Following free agency, Fontenot and his front office will focus on the draft, where the team currently holds the 8th overall pick, along with their full allotment of draft capital.
Throughout the offseason, the Falcons will have multiple opportunities to fix the quarterback position. The free agent options should start and end with Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield, but that might not be realistic. Both could end up re-signing with their respective teams, which might force the Falcons to another veteran free agent like Russell Wilson, who could just be a stopgap.
The draft is another avenue the Falcons could take. It seems like the top three picks will be quarterbacks, which would leave Atlanta with one of J.J. McCarthy, Bo Nix, or Michael Penix, all of whom aren’t worth the 8th overall pick.
There is an off chance that the Bears do the wrong thing and trade the No. 1 overall pick instead of Justin Fields, but either way, the Falcons should inquire. If it’s the latter, bringing the Georgia native home should be on the table. However, it shouldn’t be the end all be all. If it’s the former, the Falcons should sell the farm for the No. 1 overall pick.
Whatever the price, Terry Fontenot should pony up. Bill Barnwell of ESPN believes it’ll cost three first-rounders, a second-rounder, and a third-round pick.
8. Atlanta Falcons
This one could be fun. A.J. Terrell? Drake London? Kyle Pitts? I’m not sure the Falcons want to deal Terrell or London, and Pitts still doesn’t look to be 100 percent after playing with a surgically repaired knee last season, so maybe there’s not a perfect fit in terms of players.
Right now, there are two quarterbacks, three receivers and two left tackle prospects in the top tier. Jayden Daniels likely would jump ahead of one of the receivers or tackles, but the Bears can’t be sure of that, so they would need a premium to move down any lower than No. 7.
Proposed trade for the No. 1 pick: Pick Nos. 8 and 43, 2025 first- and third-round picks and a 2026 first-round pick.
I actually think that’s an accurate proposal for what it would take to secure the No. 1 overall pick. Bleacher Report recently had their turn at projecting the potential deal, and it wasn’t even close — 2024 No. 8 pick, 2025 first-round pick, 2024 second-round pick, 2024 third-round pick, 2025 second-round pick.
It’s going to start with what the Bears got last year from the Panthers, which was two firsts, two seconds, and D.J Moore. It will be at least another first-round pick and maybe a player like A.J. Terrell or Kyle Pitts.
The point is the price will be astronomical.
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Photographer: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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