The Falcons announced a bevy of roster moves ahead of Tuesday’s deadline and officially posted their initial 53-man roster. I say initial because Atlanta, like every club around the league, will scourer the waiver wire for additions to tweak their team. Every organization parted ways with at least 25 players, so there are plenty of options on the open market the Falcons can add to tweak the roster.
OL Blake Hance
Hance started eight games and played in all 17 for the Browns last season due to injuries along the offensive line. He’s got experience as a starter and can be a reserve-caliber player for Atlanta, capable of making a spot-start in case of emergency.
DL McTelvin Agim
The Broncos parting ways with Agim was surprising, but he hasn’t quite lived up to his third-round expectations. Since 2020, he’s only totaled 12 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 17 games. However, in Denver’s preseason finale, Agim looked dominant — two forced fumbles, two pass breakups, and a sack.
OL Alex Leatherwood
Leatherwood was a trade candidate, but the Raiders obviously couldn’t find a suitor. After starting all 17 games for Vegas last season, playing both guard and tackle, Leatherwood will hit waivers but probably won’t be picked up due to his high salary. The Falcons could kick the tires on him as a reclamation project, but I wouldn’t put too much stock in that. Leatherwood has been horrid since entering the league, and there’s no sense in trying to develop two (Jalen Mayfield) long shots.
S Mark Webb
Webb was the Chargers’ 2021 seventh-round pick, mostly working as the money defender but also trained as a traditional safety and nickel corner. He’s versatile and is essentially the Great Value brand Derwin James. He’s capable in most spots; however, he’s dealt with injuries. Still, Webb could provide reliable depth at multiple positions in the secondary.
DT Armon Watts
Watts was set to be a starter this season for the Vikings, but Minnesota released him due to financial reasons. There’s nothing wrong with him; new general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has just been working a Moneyball approach this offseason.
DB/ST Justin Bethel
This one was shocking. Bethel has been a mainstay for the Patriots as a veteran reserve defensive back but, more importantly, as a special teamer. After three seasons, the 32-year-old leaves New England, but Bethel can still contribute on the Falcons.
WR Tyler Johnson
Tyler Johnson was one of the more surprising cuts this offseason. He led the Bucs in both receptions and receiving yards in the preseason, capping off a solid training camp with strong in-game performances. He’s only 24 years old but has struggled with consistency over the last two seasons. Still, Johnson has plenty of upside for the Falcons to take a swing.
OLB Kemoko Turay
Turay visited with the Falcons this offseason as a free agent but signed with the 49ers. San Fran ended up parting ways with him despite recording 5.5 sacks last season for the Colts. The Falcons have a decent edge group, so this would likely mean the end of the road for Quinton Bell, who has had a great offseason. This feels like a longshot given Turay’s lack of special teams value.
DL Mario Edwards
Mario Edwards is a veteran defender who could bolster the Falcons depth behind Grady Jarrett and Ta’Quon Graham. He has ties to Ryan Pace from their time together in Chicago. He’s the most practical player on this list the Falcons would sign.
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