How will Falcons address not-good-enough pass rush?
In my opinion, this will end up the Falcons’ main emphasis this season. I think they’ll add free agents and more through the draft. And that doesn’t just mean edge rushers, though I think at least one joins the mix next season. The defensive line should also be addressed, to add depth and quality to the group.
Smith and Fontenot also said helping coverage helps the pass rush and that’s true – there’s a definite need at cornerback – but they need guys outside Grady Jarrett who can dominate individual matchups or handle double teams inside. I like Arnold Ebiktie a lot. I think DeAngelo Malone will improve. More, however, is required. Possibly at No. 8 overall and via free agency. If the Falcons could snag a three-down edge rusher and a stout, versatile lineman, that could help a group that isn’t getting to the QB enough. There is some quality depth pieces on the roster. They need more frontline talent, and have the asset required to add it.
Will they bring in an A-list free agent?
While the Falcons have tons of salary cap space – they could have upwards of $70 million with the possibility of more with 2022 rollover and at least one strategic cut – heading into the 2023 league year. That doesn’t mean they’re going to spend it all in one place. Fontenot made a point Wednesday to say the Falcons had to be disciplined in how they allocated dollars and both he and Smith stated they must make sure someone’s a culture fit before handing out big money.
They have to extend some homegrown talent (more on that later) and they have several holes to fill. That could be a QB, though there’s zero chance Lamar Jackson doesn’t get a franchise tag and Derek Carr might require a trade. Not sure if there’s another QB to demand top dollar on the market, but a big-name edge rusher could.
Daron Payne is set to make some serious cash. So is Javon Hargrave. P.S. There are lots of intriguing defensive tackles out there. Will the Falcons be players for one of these guys, or someone else demanding big money during free agency’s initial wave?
Free agency can often be fool’s gold. Other times it’s a laser-targeted remedy to push a team over the top or into serious playoff contention. The Falcons could spread some money around to help different positions, or use their glut of space to offer big roster bonuses that keep future cap numbers lower or make big deals become pay-as-you-go after a couple years.
The point: they have options….
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