Mike Hughes can be upgraded, but his versatility and steady play is extremely valuable. The veteran cornerback should be brought back, and KhaDarel Hodge, Atlanta’s special teams Pro Bowler, should be re-signed as well.
More than either of them, Drew Dalman should take precedence. While the Falcons could stand to upgrade a couple of spots on the offensive line, even at the center position, the market isn’t robust with options, and the Falcons have more pressing needs elsewhere without the necessary resources to fix them all.
Thus, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler believes the Falcons will re-sign Dalman, who will have a market for his services in free agency.
Latest on whether they will re-sign center Drew Dalman: Matthew Judon and Justin Simmons are notable defensive free agents, but Dalman is 26 and an important part of Atlanta’s stout offensive line. Keeping that unit strong is key for Penix’s development. Expect Atlanta to make efforts to re-sign Dalman, who will have a market. — Fowler
Drew Dalman has been an important piece for the Falcons as a run blocker, but there’s no arguing he’s had his fair share of struggles in pass protection. To emphasize my point, Ryan Neuzil, Atlanta’s swing interior lineman, performed similarly in pass protection and servicably in the run game.
Of course, Dalman is much better in the run game but is really only effective in one type of scheme — the outside zone. The Falcons should certainly try to diversify their run game; however, there’s no getting around the other circumstances.
It’s pretty hard to see the Falcons upgrading the position over Drew Dalman. There are not a ton of options (free agency or draft), the Falcons don’t have a lot of resources, and there are more pressing needs, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
All of those things lead me to believe Dalman will get a healthy contract, something like three years for $36 million or four years for $40 million.
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Photographer: John Byrum/Icon Sportswire
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