The Falcons two biggest needs coming into the offseason were quarterback and wide receiver. Everyone was aware an upgrade was needed under center, and they filled it with the best free agent available in Kirk Cousins, but wide receiver was sneakily right behind quarterback in terms of how aggressively the Falcons needed to address the position.
Just like quarterback, Terry Fontenot has attacked the problem and quickly turned it into a strength through the first couple of days of the new league year. It started with Darnell Mooney, who inked a three-year, $39 million contract with the Falcons. KhaDarel Hodge also re-upped to stay in Atlanta. Then, the Falcons acquired Rondale Moore in a trade with the Cardinals, sending quarterback Desmond Ridder to Arizona.
Now, the Falcons have added another wide receiver in Ray-Ray McCloud.
More speed for the #Falcons: They’re signing veteran WR and return man Ray-Ray McCloud to a two-year deal worth up to $6 million, per source.
The deal for @RMIII_34 was negotiated by agent @blakebaratz of @TeamIFA pic.twitter.com/GDDfEd62AY
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 14, 2024
McCloud was a sixth-round pick by the Bills in the 2018 NFL Draft and has spent time in Buffalo, Carolina, Pittsburgh, and most recently, San Francisco. He offers depth at the wide receiver position, but his most significant impact in the NFL has come as a punt and kick returner.
A couple of years ago, the Falcons were one of the best return teams in the NFL, thanks to Avery Williams. However, he tore his ACL before last season began. It obviously had a negative impact on the Falcons special teams unit, and this signing could spell the end of Williams’ time in Atlanta.
If that’s the case, it’s a disappointing end for the 2021 sixth-round pick. Williams was a bright spot in an otherwise underwhelming draft class, but ACL injuries, especially for players that rely so heavily on their speed and agility like Williams, can be devastating. Regardless, the Falcons currently have two players on their roster that have proven more than capable of handling punt/kick return duties, so it should be a strength for the team again in 2024.
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Photo: Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire
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