This is a position the Falcons are really going to have to address this offseason, or nothing is going to change with this team. The pass rush has let them down for years, and with the Falcons finally having cap space for the first time in a decade, they need to use it on edge defenders. They need way more than one, but for the sake of the exercise, I’m going to limit that for now. I also think the Falcons should bring Lorenzo Carter back as a rotational piece. Previous editions are listed below:
- Falcons 2023 Offseason: One Free Agent, One Draft Pick, One Trade — Quarterback
- Falcons 2023 Offseason: One Free Agent, One Draft Pick, One Trade — Running Backs
- Falcons 2023 Offseason: One Free Agent, One Draft Pick, One Trade — Wide Receivers
- Falcons 2023 Offseason: One Free Agent, One Draft Pick, One Trade — Tight Ends
- Falcons 2023 Offseason: One Free Agent, One Draft Pick, One Trade — Offensive Line
- Falcons 2023 Offseason: One Free Agent, One Draft Pick, One Trade — Defensive Line
One Free Agent: Yannick Ngakoue
The Falcons are going to need more than a guy like Ngakoue, but he’s a good start. Someone like Robert Quinn or Marcus Davenport shouldn’t be ruled out either. Ngakoue has bounced around the league a bit, but it isn’t for a lack of production. He’s on pace for over ten sacks this season, which, without checking, would probably double whoever had the most on the Falcons in 2022. With the variety of schemes the Falcons employ, I don’t think it would be a big adjustment for Ngakoue. Ngakoue paired with Carter, a draft pick, and some other rotational pieces could help the Falcons get back to having a respectable pass rush. Arden Key is another guy to watch out for here.
One Draft Pick: Tyree Wilson
One of the big risers in the pre-draft process, Wilson has been a force for a respectable Texas Tech squad. He is a mountain of a man at 6’6, 275 pounds, and he chipped in seven sacks in a conference that features a lot of quick passes. Wilson has one of my favorite traits in a defender — he can play inside out. He can disrupt up the middle against the run and gain leverage on the edge to rush the passer or set the edge against the run. He is a physically dominant player, and outside of Grady Jarrett, the Falcons don’t have many of those. Wilson would make a great complement to the future ring of honor member.
One Trade: Maxx Crosby
Acquiring talented edge rushers isn’t cheap, and this is no exception. This would be a MASSIVE trade that would cost the Falcons multiple first round picks, but I wouldn’t blink if it was a possibility. Crosby is one of the best all-around defenders in the league and plays with a red-hot motor. I don’t know if he’s available, but if you’re the Falcons, this is a guy worth taking a swing on. Some other names I would be into are Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Uchenna Nwosu, and Leonard Floyd.
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Photographer:Â Bryan Lynn/Icon Sportswire
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