Atlanta Falcons: Former Falcon’s Receiver Signs with Bears
By Kit Anderson
Former Atlanta Falcons receiver Taylor Gabriel won’t be making his return to the Falcons. The jitterbug of a receiver will join the Chicago Bears on an overpaid deal that makes the Falcon’s decision to move on look wise.
Taylor Gabriel disappeared in the Atlanta Falcons offense last season. The only times he was used it was on predictable plays that utilized his speed failing to capture the magic from the year before.
Gabriel will now join a Bears team that will look to take a step forward. Taylor Gabriel was signed to a four year deal that will reportedly be worth $26 million with incentives. Gabriel is a talented runner but not deserving of a contract of that magnitude.
Deciding to move on from Gabriel because of his struggles last season and the Falcon’s coaching failures to involve him was the right decision. Factor in that the Falcons are dealing with very little cap space and the move looks even smarter.
For Gabriel moving to Chicago could be a perfect situation considering the speed and youth already on their offense. Adding Gabriel in to play the slot should add another weapon for Mitchell Trubisky who will benefit from a much better offense in 2018.
For the Falcons they must now look to add more depth at receiver. With a clear one and two on the roster the Falcons will likely draft at least one receiver to add depth to the position.
Offensive guard, defensive line, tight-end, and receiver are still unaddressed as the Falcons wait out the initial surge of free agency. Despite not officially starting until this afternoon free agency has already seen a series of blockbuster moves.
Taylor Gabriel’s speed will be missed in Atlanta his tendency to drop passes and inconsistency will not be. More updates to come as free agency continues.