The Falcons have their coaching staff in place under Raheem Morris. Now, the focus turns to assessing the current roster and impending free agents.
Atlanta has a couple of marquee names set to hit the open market that should be considered to be retained. None is more important than Calais Campbell. Bud Dupree was tied for the second-most sacks on the team and would provide decent production at a position of need if the Falcons are unable to upgrade. Jeff Okudah is another that could be brought back if the money is right.
Teams are able to sign their own free agents before they sign externally, but that’s where the Falcons’ attention will go after deciding on their own guys. Receiver, cornerback, edge defender, and the trenches all need to be addressed; however, the most important task this offseason is the quarterback direction.
It didn’t matter who Arthur Blank hired as head coach and who he hired as offensive coordinator. The Falcons don’t need another half measure at the position. The best way to do that is in the draft.
There are three quarterbacks at the top of the class, but it seems likely that the Bears, Commanders, and Patriots each take one. However, Chicago has Justin Fields and could parlay a second straight first overall pick into another trade.
The Bears should draft Caleb Williams and reset the rookie contract at the position, but this franchise hasn’t always made the correct decisions in these scenarios. If Ryan Poles chooses to auction off the top draft pick and build around Fields, Terry Fontenot should call him and not hang up the phone until the Falcons secure the pick.
That’s exactly what Christian Williams of Football Guys has them doing in the latest mock draft.
1. Atlanta Falcons (via CHI) – Caleb Williams (QB – USC)
Trade details: Atlanta sends picks No. 8 and No. 43, a 2025 first-round pick, a 2026 third-round pick, and CB A.J. Terrell to Chicago for pick No. 1.
The Falcons hired Raheem Morris as their new head coach, with Zac Robinson following as offensive coordinator. The team is a quarterback away from contention, and an aggressive move to get Caleb Williams should be considered, especially with Williams’ fit in what many project Robinson’s offense to look like. It takes a haul, but the Falcons emerge as immediate NFC contenders.
I want to preface my comments by saying I don’t think the Bears are trading the first overall pick, but if they do, the compensation will be more than two first-round picks, a second-rounder, a third-rounder, and A.J. Terrell. I would do that deal every single day of the week, though. Realistically, the Falcons would likely have to part ways with another first-round pick.
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Photographer: Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire
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