Atlanta Falcons: Breaking down Free Agency so far
The Atlanta Falcons have already made impact moves so far, what else could be coming this offseason?
Our Atlanta Falcons have quickly made some moves over the first couple days of free agency. A couple key losses and a few quick additions have set the stage for an interesting free agency.
Departures
Patrick Dimarco to the Buffalo Bills.
Paul Worrilow to Detroit Lions.
Tyson Jackson released.
Eric Weems to Tennessee Titans.
Tom Compton to Chicago Bears.
Without question, the loss of Patrick Dimarco really hurts. He’s headed to the Bills on a four year/8.5 million deal. Even as a pro bowl fullback, Buffalo gave him the money that clearly the Atlanta Falcons were not willing to match. Someone like Jerome Felton could possibly be a candidate to replace him. It’s tough to see Paul Worrilow go as well. However, he became expendable with the emergence of Deion Jones and Devondre Campbell. Releasing Tyson Jackson saves 4.25 million in cap space and Eric Weems is simply a return man who will be easily replaced. Tom Compton as a reserve offensive lineman is replaceable as well.
Arrivals/Returns
Jack Crawford, defensive lineman from the Dallas Cowboys.
Levine Toilolo, Courtney Upshaw, Matt Schaub, and LaRoy Reynolds all returning.
Resigning cornerback Bildi-Wreh Wilson as well.
The only newcomer for the Atlanta Falcons so far is Jack Crawford. Atlanta got Crawford on a three year/maximum 10.3 million deal. He played in all 16 games last year for Dallas and accumulated nine sacks over three years as a Cowboy. With the Falcons needing help on the d-line Crawford can come in and contribute right away. The most interesting move in my opinion so far was resigning Matt Schuab for two years and nine million. Atlanta prioritized a backup Quarterback and gave him more money than Buffalo gave pro-bowler Patrick Dimarco. I understand the need for protection behind Matt Ryan but I believe Dimarco provided more value to this team the Matt Schuab will.
Targets?
Additionally, the Atlanta Falcons have been linked to Kansas City lineman Dontari Poe. Poe is looking for a one year deal to play this year and potentially a long term deal after. Adding Poe could potentially really help the Falcons D-line paired with Grady Jarrett. Atlanta is a little small at linebacker and Defensive end so bringing in Poe would really beef up the front. The Falcons restructured guard Ryan Schraeder’s contract adding around four million in cap space for this offseason. This could be a sign of a potential signing on the way.
Also, as known to many, Desmond Trufant will receive a major contract extension at some point this offseason. Resigning Trufant will provide continued veteran presence in the young Atlanta secondary. In addition, this Devonta Freeman debacle is becoming stranger and stranger. Freeman is reportedly upset that the Falcons are not making his contract extension a priority. I don’t know if an extension or even a trade will happen but Devonta is under contract for next season making this situation even worse.
Other needs for this offseason could be an offensive lineman as well. The free agent class in thin so perhaps Atlanta could look to the draft to fix it. All in all, the storylines this offseason are intriguing to say the least. The Falcons absolutely have questions to answer. A team that reached the super bowl has some holes to fill with teams like New England making big offseason moves already. Look for the Atlanta Falcons to have an important free agency period in their quest to win a championship.