Los Angeles Rams Impending Free Agents:

EDGE Von Miller — WR Odell Beckham Jr. — CB Darious Williams — G Austin Corbett — C Brian Allen — RB Sony Michel — DL Sebastian Joesph-Day — EDGE Ogbonnia Okoronkwo — OT Joseph Noteboom

The Rams have a ton of impending free agents that could interest the Falcons. There are high-end prospects that will cost considerable cap space, but there are also lower-value free agents that could round out the Falcons roster.

Miller and OBJ will be the expensive signings of this group. Miller is likely looking to sign with a contender, so I wouldn’t expect Atlanta to swing at him. Beckham tearing his ACL in Sunday’s Super Bowl certainly makes his free agency less clear. The Falcons’ need for a wide receiver and pass rusher is immense, but I don’t see either of these players ending up in Atlanta.

Williams received a first-round tender during the 2021 offseason, so the Rams obviously value his contributions. He’s thrived in a zone-heavy scheme and possesses impressive ball skills and quickness. The Falcons could do much worse opposite A.J. Terrell than Williams. Corbett’s career has started shakily. The Rams acquired him from the Browns for a fifth-round pick after Cleveland used the first pick in the second round of the 2018 NFL draft on Corbett. He’s certainly shown an ability to play guard and center while remaining a high-level run-blocker. Corbett would be able to give Matt Hennessy and Jalen Mayfield competition.

Allen broke out during the 2021 season with elite-level run-blocking in Sean McVay’s wide zone offense. He has an injury history and isn’t great in pass protection, so signing Allen doesn’t come without risk. Michel’s fifth-year option was declined by the Patriots and then traded to the Rams for a fifth-round pick after spending a first-rounder on him a couple of years ago. Michael is a well-rounded running back with solid pass blocking skills, so the Falcons could decide to add to the stable of running backs with the reliable Sony Michel.

Joseph-Day is someone I would love for the Falcons to sign. He tore his pectoral muscle in Week 7, but he’ll be fully healthy to start the 2022 season. Joseph-Day is a serious disrupter in the run game, winning with speed and power. Though he doesn’t offer much value on third down, his athleticism next to Grady Jarrett would be intriguing.

Okoronkwo struggled to find the field, but that shouldn’t be held against him. The Rams have an absolutely filthy defensive front rotation. Still, he made the most of his opportunities. He has the burst and quickness to be effective off the edge. The Falcons could use all kinds of pass rushers, including rotational pieces like Okoronkwo.

Noteboom wouldn’t be able to come in and take Kaleb McGary’s starting position, but he’s a solid swing tackle that filled in nicely for Andrew Whitworth. He’s young and is reliable in pass protection; the Falcons could look here for depth.

Cincinnati Bengals Impending Free Agents:

S Jessie Bates III — DL B.J. Hill — OT Riley Reiff — TE C.J. Uzomah — G Quinton Spain — CB Eli Apple

Bates was looking for a new contract last offseason, but the Bengals decided first to address Sam Hubbard’s contract. Bates has the range in coverage, ball skills, and versatility to be a star in Dean Pees’ defense. The Falcons will likely not be able to afford Bates, but he would bring a lot of stability to the young safety room in Atlanta. I also wouldn’t be shocked if the Bengals used the franchise tag on Bates.

Hill was traded to Cincy from the Giants for a measly seventh-round pick and Billy Price; Hill made Cincinnati very happy with their decision. He’s a well-rounded 3-technique with strengths revolving around defending the run. He’s an average pass rusher, so he shouldn’t be too expensive if the Falcons decided to pursue Hill.

Reiff hasn’t been great in recent years, but with experience as a right and left tackle, he’d be one of the best swing tackles in football if the Falcons chose not to pursue him. Uzomah was impressive in 2021, coming off a torn Achilles in 2020. Next to Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd, Uzoah was able to carve out an excellent little role in the Bengals offense. He’s got great size and is difficult to tackle after the catch. He’d be a nice pair with Kyle Pitts given his ability to attack the middle of the field.

Spain is a massive human, showing in his powerful, physical play style. He’d be a great signing to take the reigns from Jalen Mayfield at left guard, but he was the Bengals’ second-best linemen this season, so I doubt they let him go. Apple’s notorious remarks on Twitter are more recognizable than his play on the field. He’d be nothing more than a backup, or the Falcons would be in trouble.

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