The Atlanta Falcons are dealing with a surprise level of uncertainty at right tackle after the retirement of Kaleb McGary. Storm Norton was expected to be a viable option, but is now set to miss the 2026 season, leading to the Falcons adding the second former Chiefs tackle they've brought in this offseason, with Wanya Morris being dealt to Atlanta. This was after the team's initial answer to McGary's retirement was signing Jawaan Taylor. The Falcons now have enough tackle depth to hope to find a reliable answer with Jake Matthews providing veteran stability at left tackle.
It was a noteworthy series of moves that cannot be the final additions Atlanta makes this summer. The biggest concern remaining is a lack of proven receiver depth after the departure of Darnell Mooney. Atlanta doesn't have one proven option remaining at wideout after Drake London, with Olamide Zaccheaus, Jahan Dotson, and Zachariah Branch all coming with their own share of questions, lacking resumes of being reliable second options.
Part of this concern will be eased with the return of Austin Hooper at tight end, offering Atlanta's quarterback a great veteran option. Still, you would like to see the Falcons add a veteran that brings a level of stability to the depth chart and hands the franchise a higher upside at the position.
Falcons Must Continue to Improve After Surprise Wanya Morris Trade
Even if Branch becomes a great second option, as hoped, you're one injury away from having real questions about the ability of your third and fourth options. Atlanta isn't in a position to have anything less than a superb list of playmakers due to an uncertain quarterback situation. Whether it is Michael Penix Jr. or Tua Tagovailoa starting, the Falcons have reason to believe they need a group of pass catchers capable of elevating the position.
Adding one final capable receiver would be a step in this direction and help offset the offseason losses of Tyler Allgeier and Darnell Mooney. This is a lot of lost offensive snaps over the past two seasons and points to a clear need for the team to continue to be aggressive in the weeks ahead.
Entering the summer, the Falcons must look at the reality of a crowded NFC and realize that their path to contention is hoping for a miracle at quarterback, and the best chance of this being realized is completing a group of playmakers that is clearly one receiver short heading deeper into the summer.
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