We are officially in a state of free agent frenzy. It seems like you cannot go five minutes without another big name player inking a long-term deal. Until today, the Falcons had remained relatively quiet. The rumors were swirling around several big name free agents but no agreements had been reach.
Atlanta had high hopes in potentially signing free agent Bruce Irvin. Irvin has a connection with head coach Dan Quinn, stated that he desired to play under his former coach and would be a perfect fit at a huge positions of need. However, news broke yesterday that Irvin would not be signing with Atlanta but will be staying out west to join the Oakland Raiders.
Falcons fans were certainly concerned. In just a matter of days nearly all the major pass rushing options inked deals with other teams, but the Falcons have a lot more holes to fill than just the defensive line and they began to address them today. Earlier this morning, news broke that the Falcons signed 3-time pro-bowl center Alex Mack to a five-year deal. The deal is worth about 9.5 million dollars annually and will certainly provide a leader to an offensive line that has struggled over the past few seasons.
Providing there are no injuries or setbacks, Mack should be a star an Atlanta. He can be the rock that Matt Ryan has needed under center since the departure of Todd McClure. Center is not a sexy position, but it is extremely important and Mack is simply one of the best in the business at it.
Mack may be the only free agent signing thus far for the Falcons but expect numerous more in the coming days. Atlanta looks to be the leader in poaching Bengals wide receiver Mohammed Sanu.
It appears that the Falcons are the favorite to land Mohammed Sanu as their offer is over 7 million per year #Atlanta
— Dianna (@diannaESPN) March 9, 2016
Wide receiver was already a priority after last season and it has become and even bigger priority since the release of Roddy White. Sanu was a 3rd round pick in 2012 and has spent his entire four year career in Bengals. The numbers are not eye-popping, but there is a logjam of receiving weapons in Cincinnati. The Falcons must find a player to alleviate pressure off of Julio Jones. Sanu could be a nice compliment to Jones and Falcons fans might even get see him throw a touchdown or two.
The move to sign Mack and possibly sign another receiver in free agency shows that Atlanta will be looking for a lot of defense through the draft. There are still a lot of moves to be made, but the signing of Alex Mack is a great start to would should be an exciting offseason for the Falcons.