The Falcons are smack dab in the middle of the 2024 campaign, with a stranglehold on the NFC South. Despite falling to the Saints in Week 10, they still sit atop the division with a two-game lead over the Bucs.
Raheem Morris and Kirk Cousins have completely turned the franchise around. The club looks primed to finally end their postseason drought. More exciting, Mercedes-Benz Stadium will finally see a Falcons playoff game.
If there’s one sore spot, and it will eventually cost them, it’s been the pass rush. The Falcons have gone four games with no sacks, have the lowest total in the league, and several players individually have more sacks than Atlanta does as a team.
It’s been a focus for several offseasons, but now that the quarterback position has been solidified for the present and future, the Falcons front office has no excuse not to completely overhaul the pass rush.
Unfortunately, the easiest way to do so, through free agency, isn’t robust with options. Matt Bowen and Jeremy Fowler of ESPN recently highlighted the top 25 free agents of next year’s class, and there aren’t a ton of inspiring options.
1. Tee Higgins, WR
2. Trey Smith, G
3. Jevon Holland, S
4. D.J. Reed, CB
5. Charvarius Ward, CB
6. Amari Cooper, WR
7. Ronnie Stanley, OT
8. Sam Darnold, QB
9. Haason Reddick, Edge
10. Chris Godwin, WR
11. Tyron Smith, OT
12. Zack Martin, G
13. Rasul Douglas, CB
14. Asante Samuel Jr., CB
15. DeMarcus Lawrence, Edge
16. Camryn Bynum, S
17. Khalil Mack, Edge
18. Justin Fields, QB
19. Nick Bolton, LB
20. Dre Greenlaw, LB
21. Garett Bolles, OT
22. Budda Baker, S
23. Diontae Johnson, WR
24. Talanoa Hufanga, S
25. Cam Robinson, OT
Of course, Haason Reddick would be an impact addition. However, he’s clearly the best edge defender in a very weak class. Every club with a need will be in the market for Reddick, and the Falcons getting into a bidding war isn’t ideal.
DeMarcus Lawrence and Khalil Mack are on the wrong side of 30, but the latter wouldn’t be a bad signing in a mercenary type of role. Lawrence, on the other hand, shouldn’t be touched with a 10-foot pole.
As far as this top 25 free agents list, those are potentially the Falcons’ marquee additions. That’s incredibly uninspiring if you’re hoping for a splash signing from Terry Fontenot this offseason.
What’s most likely is that Atlanta will use its first-round pick on a pass rusher and is hoping for some internal improvement. The trade market could provide an answer, but I wouldn’t hold your breath. There could be a free agent addition, but it won’t be a marquee pass rusher.
It’s a tough pill to swallow, but this pass rush isn’t going to be “fixed” even in 2025. It’s going to be a multi-year project.
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Photographer: Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire
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