The Falcons are entering free agency with a few needs but also the cap space to fill those voids. Terry Fontenot will have between $40-45 million to spend; however, that figure could rise substantially with a few restructures and cuts. The free agent markets are ripe with solutions, and there’s more talent joining them in the form of cap casualties that should interest the Falcons.
CB Xavien Howard
Howard is only a year removed from his fourth Pro Bowl bid, but he’s clearly taken a step back since leading the league in interceptions in 2020. Still, the Falcons don’t need a premier corner opposite A.J. Terrell, and Howard won’t break the bank. Atlanta could do much worse than him as long as the medicals check out.
S Justin Simmons
The 30-year-old All-Pro isn’t some scrub anymore just because he got cut by the Broncos, who are clearly hitting the reset button. He has intercepted at least three passes in six consecutive seasons and has missed only seven games over that span. He and Jessie Bates would be a menacing safety duo and would make all other Falcons defenders look better underneath.
CB Darious Williams
Williams intercepted four passes, forced two fumbles and allowed one of the lowest opposing passer ratings (63.9) in the league in 2023, but consistency has been his issue. The Falcons need to bolster the cornerback room, and Williams, like Howard, won’t break the bank.
QB Russell Wilson
Let’s play a little game of “Which one of these isn’t like the others?” Russell Wilson will be the best free agent option for the Falcons if Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield re-sign with the Vikings and Buccaneers, respectively, even if Falcons fans hate the idea of it.
The most attractive factor in his free agency is the price tag. The expectation is that Wilson will take close to the veteran minimum because Denver owes him nearly $40 million, regardless of where or even if he plays. It’s not the sexiest solution for Atlanta’s quarterback problem, but he’s certainly an upgrade over what the Falcons had in 2023.
CB Tre’Davious White
Tre’Davious White was an All-Pro not too long ago, leading the league in interceptions in 2019, but injuries have completely derailed his career. He was once considered one of the elite corners in the game.
The former first-rounder was limited to six games in 2022 as he recovered from an ACL tear the previous fall. In 2023, an Achilles tear cut his season short after just four contests. If I’m the Falcons, taking a one-year flyer on the LSU product would be on the table if the medicals check out.
—
Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire
You must log in to post a comment.