Offseason In Review: Atlanta Falcons

As considered one of 5 NFL franchises coming into final 12 months with a brand new head coach and considered one of two who changed their common supervisor as nicely, the Falcons noticed middling outcomes to begin the Arthur Smith-Terry Fontenot period. At 7-10 in 2021, they surpassed the accomplishments of two of these different franchises, with the Jets ending 4-13 and the Lions ending 3-13-1, however failed to succeed in a profitable report like the opposite two (9-8 Chargers and Eagles groups).

In 12 months 2 underneath Smith and Fontenot, although, it seems that it’s time for a reset. The staff moved on from former MVP quarterback Matt Ryan and towards a brand new path to success. Though the NFC doesn’t seem fairly as daunting because the deep AFC, this nonetheless seems to be a little bit of a rebuilding 12 months for the Falcons.

Trades:

From a staff identification standpoint, Ryan’s departure can’t be overstated. The star out of Boston School has been the face of the franchise ever since he accomplished his first-ever NFL go try for a 62-yard landing to vast receiver Michael Jenkins again in 2008. For 14 years, Ryan ensured the Falcons had a solution behind heart, beginning 222 of a doable 225 regular-season video games. That begin whole tops Steve Bartkowski‘s earlier Falcons QB normal by 101.

The franchise’s solely MVP winner, Ryan clearly holds numerous franchise data. The previous No. 3 general choose carried out admirably via Atlanta’s low seasons in addition to its highs. Accidents and a scarcity of surrounding expertise have restricted his win totals through the years, however the resilient quarterback nonetheless managed to win 120 video games over his 14 seasons. Ryan’s MVP season fueled his staff to Tremendous Bowl LI. He threw 38 landing passes to simply seven interceptions en path to a league-leading marks in quarterback ranking (117.1) and QBR (79.6) that 12 months. Maybe an ideal show of Ryan’s consistency amid his staff’s shortcomings: two years later, Ryan almost matched his MVP output with 35 TD passes and 7 INTs. The staff’s report that 12 months: 7-9.

Going into the 2021 season, discuss had already begun surrounding Ryan’s future. Many posited it will be smart to commerce away the veteran quarterback to construct up commerce property to exchange him, however proprietor Arthur Clean insisted that Ryan would stay on the staff for 2021. The staff finally restructured Ryan’s contract to decrease his cap hit for final 12 months, successfully making him much more tough to deal sooner or later.

Early this offseason, Smith made his choice recognized by claiming he wished for Ryan to stay on the staff in 2022. However studies quickly surfaced {that a} succession plan was being mentioned. Rumors ran rampant, claiming Ryan was unlikely to get traded and will get his contract restructured as soon as extra. Lastly, the rumors got here to an finish when information leaked that Ryan was headed to Indianapolis. On account of that aforementioned restructure, this commerce caught the Falcons with an NFL-record $40MM in useless cash.

Now, the Falcons are gazing two potentialities regarding this season at quarterback. It could possibly be territory the staff has not traversed for a lot of the twenty first century. Excluding a transitionary 2007 season that noticed video games began by quarterbacks Joey Harrington, Chris Redman, and Byron Leftwich, the Falcons have gone into 19 of their earlier 20 seasons understanding that both Michael Vick or Ryan could be their starter. Atlanta will hope that 2022 is one other transitory scenario that can result in the following long-tenured quarterback in pink and black.

One other Falcons commerce passed off within the weeks after the draft, bringing in a brand new receiving goal for Ryan’s alternative. Edwards, a 2020 third-round choose, took a giant step ahead in his sophomore season, partially because of the departure of teammate Henry Ruggs. With no Calvin Ridley and rookie first-round choose Drake London easing himself into the NFL after a school damage and a minor preseason illness, Edwards has a chance to see intensive time. Pitts is prone to hog a lot of the targets, as London and Edwards are introduced up to the mark, however the door is vast open for Edwards to turn into an everyday Falcons contributor in his third season. Two years stay on his rookie contract.

Free company additions:

• Marcus Mariota, QB. Two years, $18.75MM. $6.75MM assured.
• Casey Hayward, CB. Two years, $11MM. $6MM assured.
• Lorenzo Carter, OLB. One 12 months, $3.5MM. $2MM assured.
• Germain Ifedi, RT. One 12 months, $1.19MM. $1.05MM assured.
• Elijah Wilkinson, OL. One 12 months, $1.13MM. $987.5K assured.
• Rashaan Evans, LB. One 12 months, $1.75MM. $500K assured.
• Damien Williams, RB. One 12 months, $1.62MM. $500K assured.
• Damiere Byrd, WR. One 12 months, $1.19MM. $400K assured.
• Anthony Firkser, TE. One 12 months, $1.19MM. $300K assured.
• Dean Marlowe, S. One 12 months, $1.19MM. $300K assured.
• Vincent Taylor, DT. One 12 months, $1.19MM. $275K assured.
• Mike Ford, CB. One 12 months, $1.19MM. $152.5K assured.
• Beau Brinkley, LS. One 12 months, $1.12MM.
• Bradley Pinion, P. One 12 months, $1.12MM.
• KhaDarel Hodge, WR. One 12 months, $1.07MM.
• Nick Kwiatkoski, LB. One 12 months, $1.04MM.
• MyCole Pruitt, TE. One 12 months, $1.04MM.
• Cameron Batson, WR. One 12 months, $965K.
• Teez Tabor, CB. One 12 months, $965K.
• Henry Black, S. One 12 months, $895K.
• Darrion Daniels, DT. One 12 months, $825K.
• Jalen Dalton, DT. One 12 months, $705K.

As soon as once more, the most important headline right here comes at quarterback. The Falcons reunited Mariota with Smith, the Titans’ offensive coordinator in the course of the former No. 2 general choose’s final season in Tennessee. The staff signed the 28-year-old on the identical day it traded away Ryan. The sequence of transactions made it clear that Mariota was introduced in to be Ryan’s successor. The intention got here to fruition when Mariota was named the staff’s beginning quarterback two weeks earlier than the preseason.

Atlanta additionally used its free company cash to usher in some rapid assistance on protection. The staff signed Hayward and Carter 4 days aside, solidifying starters at nook and outdoors linebacker, respectively. Hayward’s finest years got here throughout his time with the Chargers when, over a two-season interval (2016-17), he racked up 11 interceptions and an unbelievable 42 passes defensed. Whereas Tenth-year veteran has not been capable of recreate that manufacturing since, he stays a dependable exterior cornerback — whom Professional Soccer Focus slotted as a top-15 participant on the place final season — who will instantly stand in reverse AJ Terrell.

Carter is a youthful defender who delivered first rate manufacturing when wholesome over his 4 years in New York. The previous Giants third-round choose is predicted to begin alongside fellow free agent addition Evans and Mykal Walker. Evans was introduced in to compete with and probably exchange Deion Jones. The latter’s IR keep, which comes after an offseason shoulder surgical procedure, has tabled that matter till a minimum of October. Evans was a full-time starter for a lot of his rookie contract after being drafted within the first spherical by Tennessee. As Mariota is reuniting with Smith on offense, Evans is linking again up with ex-Titans defensive coordinator Dean Pees.

On offense, the Falcons added some depth. Williams is about to reprise his normal function as a No. 2 operating again, this time behind Patterson. Williams’ presence as a veteran backup rusher needs to be advantageous for the event of rookie Tyler Allgeier. Atlanta additionally introduced in some sturdy backup items for the offensive line. Ifedi can be a stable substitute for tackles Jake Matthews and Kaleb McGary, if wanted. A swingman in Denver and a backup in Chicago, Wilkinson was on the verge of supplanting Jalen Mayfield at guard throughout camp. Mayfield, nevertheless, will start the season on injured reserve.

Re-signings:

• Younghoe Koo, Okay. 5 years, $24.25MM. $8MM assured.
• Cordarrelle Patterson, WR/RB. Two years, $10.5MM. $5MM assured.
• Erik Harris, S. One 12 months, $1.27MM. $1.05MM assured.
• Isaiah Oliver, CB. One 12 months, $2.39MM. $530K assured.
• Anthony Rush, NT. One 12 months, $1.3MM. $165K assured.

Atlanta has expertise in long-term relationships with kickers. The staff loved 11 sturdy years misplaced kicker Matt Bryant and 9 years with punter Matt Bosher, shifting on from each in 2019. That 12 months introduced Koo’s Falcons introduction. Koo joined the staff in Week 10 and, after changing 23 of his 26 discipline objective makes an attempt, by no means relinquished the kicking job.

Over the following two seasons, Koo improved on his three misses from 2019 and charted a course to the highest of the NFL’s accuracy checklist. Koo transformed 64 of 68 discipline objective makes an attempt from 2020-21, incomes Professional Bowl acclaim in 2020. His 2020s conversion price of 94.12% tops the NFL. This accuracy led to a pleasant extension, which made Koo the league’s third-highest-paid kicker. In a time when kickers are on the shortest of leashes, this long-term dedication exhibits a great quantity of religion within the South Korean-American kicker.

The Falcons introduced in Patterson final 12 months on a one-year deal to complement the receivers room and solidify the return recreation. Little did they know they had been signing their beginning operating again. Over the primary eight years of his profession, Patterson loved pretty restricted success as a receiver with immense success within the return recreation. Patterson has been named a first- or second-team All-Professional kick returner in all however three seasons of his profession and made 4 Professional Bowls. Tied with Josh Cribbs and Leon Washington for probably the most kick-return touchdowns in NFL historical past (eight), Patterson added one other dimension to his recreation in Atlanta. The Falcons will see if he can replicate that effort.

In a single 12 months with the Falcons, Patterson almost doubled his profession carries and almost tripled his finest single-season speeding output. Regardless of his elevated function as a rusher (153 carries, 648 yards, six touchdowns), Patterson additionally put up profession numbers as a receiver. He tied a profession excessive in receptions (52) and set a career-best mark in receiving yards (548) and landing receptions (5). Whereas Patterson’s age made this a moderately odd breakout, his profession as a returner and gadget participant restricted the tread on his tires. The Falcons also can punt on this deal after one season, ought to their 31-year-old again fall off his 2021 tempo.

Atlanta was capable of convey again just a few defensive contributors in Harris, Oliver, and Rush, all of whom have began video games for the staff in recent times. Harris began each 2021 recreation for Atlanta at sturdy security, earlier than a torn pectoral muscle shelved him for final season’s closing 4 video games. He’s set to begin the 12 months as a backup, with the Falcons lining up the youthful Jaylinn Hawkins and Richie Grant on the security spots.

After beginning for a lot of his second and third seasons, Oliver noticed his contract 12 months lower brief when he suffered a knee damage in Week 4. The Falcons are giving him one other alternative to earn a brand new contract, however his new platform 12 months is not going to begin on time. The staff positioned the previous second-round choose on IR final week, sidelining him for a minimum of 4 video games. The Falcons signed Rush to their apply squad final 12 months when he was lower from the Titans. He was finally promoted to the lively roster and began six video games close to the top of the season for Atlanta. After incomes his first profession begins along with his seventh NFL staff in three years, Rush is predicted to begin at defensive deal with for the Falcons to start the 12 months.

Notable losses:

• Jonathan Bullard, DT
• Brandon Copeland, OLB
• Mike Davis, RB (launched)
• Tyeler Davison, DT (launched)
• Dante Fowler, OLB (launched)
• Russell Gage, WR
• Matt Gono, RT
• Duron Harmon, S
• Josh Harris, LS
• Hayden Hurst, TE
• A.J. McCarron, QB
• Steven Means, OLB
• Fabian Moreau, CB
• Thomas Morstead, P
• Foyesade Oluokun, LB
• Josh Rosen, QB
• Tajae Sharpe, WR
• Kendall Sheffield, CB
• Lee Smith, TE (retired)
• Jason Spriggs, OT
• Shawn Williams, S

The Falcons have commenced what could also be considered as a rebuild. Any rebuild goes to see a change of the guard, and a notable expertise exodus passed off in Atlanta this offseason. Along with the Ryan commerce, the staff allowed McCarron and Rosen to observe the starter out of city. McCarron’s time in a Falcons uniform was restricted to the preseason; a torn ACL led to the ex-Bengals backup lacking the 2021 marketing campaign. Atlanta has since refilled the room with Mariota and third-round rookie Desmond Ridder, with Feleipe Franks being the lone holdover. 

Each of Koo’s specialty mates are gone as nicely. The departures of Morstead and Harris led to the additions of Pinion and Brinkley. Morstead spent 12 seasons in New Orleans and arrived simply partway via final season, however Harris had spent his whole 10-year profession in Atlanta, incomes his first Professional Bowl nod final 12 months. The Chargers added have since added Harris as their lengthy snapper.

Among the defensive additions above look far more vital with the departure of starters like Davison, Fowler, Harmon, Means, and Moreau. Rush ought to step up now to exchange Davison in beginning alongside Grady Jarrett, Carter ought to be capable of make up for the lack of Fowler and Means within the go rush, and Hayward will reduce the lack of Moreau instantly.

The offensive weapons that departed ought to, for probably the most half, be replaceable; they had been largely in backup roles with the staff. Hurst would be the hardest to exchange, however his skills turned far much less vital with the fast emergence of Pitts. The Falcons will hope that Williams and Allgeier will be capable of exchange the manufacturing of the staff’s second-leading rusher from final 12 months, Davis, who departed for Baltimore in free company.

Gage’s departure could hit more durable; he had risen to a key place in Atlanta’s aerial pecking order. As Ridley’s shocking midseason departure left Ryan with out each his standout starters, following the Julio Jones commerce, Gage turned his No. 1 wideout. After a 770-yard season, Gage obtained a three-year, $30MM provide to affix the Buccaneers, keying a full-on Falcons reboot on the receiver place.

Draft:

The Falcons approached the 2022 draft with a rebuild in thoughts however nonetheless had been capable of make the most of their picks to fill some latest holes.

Many thought of London the perfect vast receiver within the draft. Utilizing a top-10 choose on a receiver for the primary time since 2011’s Jones trade-up, the Falcons concurred. It says quite a bit about London’s talents that he was the primary receiver off the board at No. 8 general; an ankle damage compelled the 6-foot-5 weapon to overlook the previous few video games of his closing season at USC. Earlier than his damage, London led the nation in receiving yards, contested catches, and missed tackles. He needs to be completely set to make up for the manufacturing misplaced through Gage’s departure and Ridley’s suspension. London ought to pair nicely with Pitts for years sooner or later.

Trades helped Atlanta to double down on go rushers on Day 2. The staff traded its unique second-round choose, together with a fourth-rounder, to maneuver up 5 spots and choose Ebiketie. Fontenot utilized the additional third-round choose acquired within the Ryan commerce to pick out Malone. After transferring from Temple, Ebiketie led the Nittany Lions with 9.5 sacks, greater than tripling the manufacturing of the staff’s next-closest defender. Malone’s finest season got here in 2019, when he racked up 11.0 sacks as a junior, however the five-year Hilltopper was capable of produce 32.5 sacks and 59 tackles for loss throughout a profession that included an additional 12 months of eligibility attributable to COVID-19.

Apart from that early draft commotion, the weekend went pretty in line with plan. The Falcons used the extra second-round choose acquired in final 12 months’s Jones commerce so as to add some younger linebacker expertise in Andersen. Additionally they chosen the second quarterback of the draft within the third spherical, including Cincinnati’s Ridder. Mariota was named Atlanta’s starter, however Ridder might, and may, be considered because the staff’s future at quarterback. Given the Falcons’ standing as a rebuilding squad, it will not shock to see Ridder make a number of 2022 begins.

Within the later rounds, the Falcons took just a few stabs on offense. Within the fifth spherical, they nabbed 2021’s Division I-FBS speeding touchdowns chief (Allgeier). As a fourth-year sophomore, Allgeier completed third within the nation with 1,606 speeding yards to go together with 23 touchdowns. With Patterson a uncommon Tenth-year operating again and Williams having not loved an everyday function since 2019, a path to Allgeier incomes a notable taking part in time as a rookie is probably not significantly daunting.

Three of the 13 Falcons undrafted free brokers ended up surviving the ultimate roster cuts final week. Vast receiver Jared Bernhardt made headlines by making the 53-man roster regardless of solely taking part in the game for one 12 months. Bernhardt was a lacrosse participant at Maryland for 5 seasons, incomes the Tewaaraton Award for the nation’s finest collegiate lacrosse participant. He left the Terrapins as a graduate switch to begin at quarterback for Ferris State and led the Bulldogs to a 14-0 season that included a Division II championship. The Falcons additionally saved rookie UDFAs in defensive deal with Timmy Horne (NC State) and linebacker Nate Landman (Colorado).

Extensions and restructures:

Atlanta introduced again two of its large males on three-year extensions. Regardless of the Falcons jettisoning many items from their Tremendous Bowl LI core in recent times, the Fontenot regime re-signed two of these cogs to 3rd contracts.

Jarrett, 29, has been a Falcon since arriving as a 2015 fifth-round choose and, after finishing his rookie season, has been a mainstay in the course of the Atlanta protection. He improved 12 months after 12 months till, in 2019, he made his first Professional Bowl with a 7.5-sack season. Jarrett’s manufacturing has dipped in recent times, however he’s nonetheless an necessary piece of Atlanta’s entrance seven and may proceed to trouble opposing quarterbacks going into his eighth season.

Matthews is one other career-long Falcon, taking part in in Atlanta one 12 months longer than Jarrett. Matthews, 30, has been one of many NFL’s most reliable tackles. In addition to the second recreation of his rookie season, Matthews has began in each doable recreation of his profession with out fail. The blindside blocker even earned a Professional Bowl in 2018, triggering his first contract extension — a five-year, $72.5MM pact. The left deal with market has climbed in recent times, producing just a few $20MM-AAV gamers. Matthews didn’t see his second Falcons extension land fairly on that degree, however he did obtain a considerable increase. The previous first-rounder’s $18.5MM common wage ranks fifth amongst left tackles.

Different:

One of many hardest absences the Falcons should cope with is that of their high vast receiver. Ridley made headlines in March after it was introduced that he had wagered $1,500 betting on NFL video games. The betting reportedly occurred “throughout a five-day interval in November 2021,” a span during which it has been decided that Ridley was away from the staff after being positioned on the non-football damage checklist.

The 2018 first-round choose was positioned on the NFI checklist attributable to private issues and psychological well being, and rumors had been beginning to emerge linking him to commerce potentialities. It was reported that the wagers consisted of parlay bets with some together with the Falcons to win. On account of the exercise, the NFL suspended Ridley for a minimum of the 2022 season.

Ridley’s 1,374 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns in 2020, as Jones battled hamstring hassle, seemed to maneuver him nearer to a Falcons extension. However the 2021 NFI absence and offseason suspension cloud his future with the franchise. Moderately than hit free company after 5 years, Ridley’s rookie contract will toll to 2023. Contemplating the Falcons had been near buying and selling him to the Eagles — earlier than it was recognized he could be banned for 2022 — it doesn’t seem Ridley’s $11.12MM fifth-year choice wage is firmly in Atlanta’s plans for 2023. In his absence, Mariota should depend on Pitts, Patterson, London, Edwards, and Olamide Zaccheaus to be on the opposite finish of his passes.

After having the 14th and thirty first general picks of the 2019 NFL Draft, the Falcons had two selections to make when it comes to fifth-year choices this previous offseason. Atlanta had used the picks on Lindstrom and McGary, respectively, counting on each gamers as starters on the offensive line ever since. Again in Might, the Falcons divided the pair, timeline-wise, by protecting Lindstrom via 2023 however turning McGary’s 2022 season right into a contract 12 months. Neither choice was essentially a shock. Lindstrom has improved with annually of play within the league, whereas McGary has struggled to seek out the identical upwards trajectory.

The Browns have taken warmth for his or her Watson acquisition, largely because of the assure report ($230MM) the staff set to persuade him to vary his thoughts on returning residence. The embattled Texans quarterback was believed to be on the cusp of waiving his no-trade clause for the Falcons, who had shopped Ryan earlier than understanding Watson’s choice. However most within the Falcons group assumed Watson was Atlanta-bound.

The Professional Bowl quarterback had additionally begun contacting free brokers — Leonard Fournette and Jarvis Landry amongst them — to see about teaming with him in Georgia. Jadeveon Clowney additionally mentioned he seemingly would have adopted Watson to Atlanta, moderately than re-signing with Cleveland. The Browns’ monster assure proposal didn’t solely change the sport for the AFC North franchise; it altered the Falcons’ plan.

Whereas Ryan nonetheless would have been out of the image, Watson would have modified the Falcons’ rebuild plan. The staff, which additionally joined the Saints and Panthers in being a Watson finalist, was ready to half with the historic commerce haul (three first-round picks and alter) to land the quarterback. The Falcons weren’t comfy with the assure determine the Browns provided and stood down. This retains the Falcons’ future draft arsenals intact and allowed them to largely evade the Watson-generated criticism avalanche that has come the Browns’ approach. It additionally leaves the Falcons with out a surefire long-term quarterback reply, although the staff will quickly start seeing if Ridder will be that participant. Nonetheless, Atlanta’s Watson curiosity led to the purpose it turned a major NFL what-if sequence.

Prime 10 cap costs for 2022:

1. Jake Matthews, LT: $15.19MM
2. Grady Jarrett, DT: $12.93MM
3. Kyle Pitts, TE: $7.48MM
4. Chris Lindstrom, G: $4.68MM
5. Marcus Mariota, QB: $4.25MM
6. Casey Hayward, CB: $4MM
7. Drake London, WR: $3.92MM
8. AJ Terrell, CB: $3.9MM
9. Kaleb McGary, RT: $3.27MM
10. Younghoe Koo, Okay: $3MM

Promoting the face of the franchise units the Falcons up for a rebuild, however the additions made via the draft and free company appear to point Fontenot and Smith are aiming for fairly a fast rebuild. The offense is suffering from younger expertise in Ridder, Allgeier, London, and Pitts. All of the holes on protection created by departures had been full of succesful, productive veterans.

If the youthful skill-position nucleus can develop shortly (as we’ve seen usually within the NFL, currently) behind an skilled offensive line, a veteran protection, and a robust core on particular groups, Atlanta’s rebuild could possibly be completed in a 12 months or two. For now, although, followers can have some new faces to get used to and, in a 12 months that isn’t prone to convey a lot success, can attempt to pinpoint the following few strikes vital to induce this staff towards long-term success.