As is sometimes the case with the Falcons, it can all end up as a total bust, but this offseason promises to be among the most thrilling in recent memory.
First, the head coach is involved. The Falcons have had interviews with more than half a dozen applicants, and there will likely be many more. Although Bill Belichick seems to be the front-runner for the position, anything may happen in the remaining time.
The most challenging assignment for the Falcons’ new coach will be to improve the quarterback situation, regardless of who they choose. Although Taylor Heinicke and Desmond Ridder are capable backups, there is absolutely no possibility that they will be starting in Atlanta’s opening game the following season. The Falcons must make an impact to improve the position, whether it is through trade, free agency, or the draft.
But there are a lot of other positions that need to be strengthened in addition to the quarterback. The Falcons have a ton of young players with a ton of potential, and they were strengthened in a lot of areas this season, but they are not yet a Super Bowl-caliber team. Atlanta now has about $35 million in cap space, but with a few small reductions, that amount could rise to more than $50 million. If they so like, they have several more options for spending even more money.
The Falcons will be among the teams with the most activity in free agency for the second consecutive offseason. A true star on the edge would be my top priority if I were to rank their requirements apart from quarterback. Since Jonathan Abraham was prowling the Georgia Dome more than ten years ago, the Falcons have lacked a reliable pass rusher. Pro Football Focus believes the Falcons should seek out Za’Darius Smith this offseason in order to remedy that.
Smith was one of the league’s top pass rushers in his three seasons of full health from 2019 to 2022. He finished with 36 sacks in 48 games, which earned him three Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro nominations. Though it’s reasonable to ask if those days are behind him, that’s precisely what the Falcons should be searching for.
Smith, who will turn 32 next season, is on the wrong side of 30, and he wasn’t quite as effective as he was in 2023, earning just 5.5 sacks while playing with Myles Garrett, who is perhaps the best pass rusher in the league.
However, if he signs a short-term contract to play next to a younger, more capable player, it might be sufficient to turn Atlanta’s defensive line into a serious contender.
