Lets start off by wishing Falcons owner Arthur Blank a speedy recovery from his cancer. Now, on to football. What do you get when you have one of the better QB's in the NFL throwing to possibly the best WR in football or handing off to one of the most productive breakout RB's in football? If "playoff team" crossed your mind you would be right! That is of course, unless that team had the worst pass rush in the league, yielding a measly 19 sacks. This is while playing in a division featuring MVP Cam Newton, Drew Brees and the emerging star Jameis Winston! That being said, Head Coach Dan Quinn has made it his mission this offseason to tear apart this defense and paste it back together with more speed and youth.
The Cuts:
Jay:
Paul Soliai - What was heralded 2 years ago as a big FA signing will end with Soliai getting cut after refusing to take a pay cut on his $5.6 Million salary. The switch to Dan Quinn's 4-3 attacking defense cut Soliai's playing time by a lot, and his sub par performance (no sacks and only 17 tackles) while he was on the field certainly didn't help his case.
Justin Durant & William Moore - These two have recently been released. Their lack of durability is most likely to blame as well as their old age of 31. Which for a defensive player can be ancient. The Falcons need to get younger on Defense after ranking 7th in yards allowed. The team will save roughly $5.5 Million between the two players.
Devin Hester - At 33 and coming off injury Hester is an option to be cut. Atlanta is rumored to be interested in Travis Benjamin who can return kicks as well as add speed opposite Julio Jones.
Efraim:
I agree with the first 3 cuts, but Devin Hester can make a big comeback in a big way. He's one of those players that can give your team that spark. I don't believe he's lost his speed. However, they can still benefit from picking up Travis Benjamin.
I would also add Roddy white to this list. This team will not be able to move forward without cutting ties with him after a horrific season.
The Re-Structures:
Jay:
Roddy White - Many believe that White is on his way out after 11 seasons with the Atlanta Falcons after repeatedly seeing reduced targets over the past 3 seasons. However I believe that that the better idea would be to either re-structure Roddy's contract or make him take a pay cut and move him into a Larry Fitzgerald type role, playing in the slot while the falcons get younger and faster opposite Julio.
Efraim:
CUT RODDY WHITE. See the above explanation.
The Re-Signings:
Jay:
Philip Wheeler - A solid Veteran presence for the young linebackers. A 1 year deal for $1.2 Million should do the trick to get him to stick around.
Adrian Clayborne - I believe the team realizes the mistake they made in not playing Adrian on the edge more consistently. He is a quality rotational player, he should be brought back on a 2yr/$5.1Million deal.
O'Brien Scholfield - another rotational player but he is nonetheless viewed as more of a moral leader on this defense and a great locker room presence. Schofield will be looking for more of a longer term deal so figure 3 years in the 4-5 million dollar range.
Ryan Schraeder - The Falcons brought in Jake Long last year as an insurance policy for Schrader and Mathews who were coming off of a horrible rookie season. Schraeder quietly turned out to be one of the best RT's in the league and is now a RFA. Atlanta has too much work to do on the interior of the line that they cannot afford to see Schraeder walk. Expect a 4year extension or in worst case scenario a 1sr round tender worth somewhere in the 3 million dollar area.
Ryan Schraeder - The Falcons brought in Jake Long last year as an insurance policy for Schrader and Mathews who were coming off of a horrible rookie season. Schraeder quietly turned out to be one of the best RT's in the league and is now a RFA. Atlanta has too much work to do on the interior of the line that they cannot afford to see Schraeder walk. Expect a 4year extension or in worst case scenario a 1sr round tender worth somewhere in the 3 million dollar area.
Efraim:
This team has to get younger. If that means getting rid of guys like Scholfield and Wheeler than so be it. However, if they are willing to sign for the veterans minimum, then maybe they are worth the re-sign. The offensive line is the most integral part of Matt Ryans game. He needs time to let his receivers run their routes. Keeping Shraeder and building on the Mathews pick from last year should be the Falcons focus.
FA Additions:
Jay:
Jay:
Travis Benjamin - This addition essentially kills two birds with one stone. Replacing Roddy White opposite Julio, and Devin Hester as the return man. A true deep threat, Benjamin is coming off a 966 yards 5 TD season…and that’s with likes of Johnny Manziel, Austin Davis and Josh McCown throwing to him. Hand the ball to Matt Ryan and this high powered offense, BOOM!
Bruce Irvin - Defense? Check, Young? Check, Faster? Check…..oh and did I mention he's from Atlanta and loves Dan Quinn from their Super Bowl winning days in Seattle?!?! Pairing Irvin with sophomore stud Vic Beasley will create a dangerous duo.
Stefen Wisniewski - The Falcons had quite the bumpy ride at the Center position in 2015. Wisniewski brings veteran leadership and stability to a relatively young OL.
Alex Boone - Fresh off an MCL tear Boone is one of the top guards on the market this season. His price tag will be affordable after the injury. At 28 he is also 4 years younger than Chris Chester. Perhaps a 1 year prove it deal will be in order here.
Efraim:
100% agree on these free agents for the Falcons. Although I would also add Eric Berry. Fresh off an emotional season with the Chiefs, where he beat cancer and played for a dominant defense that made the playoffs. He can really teach this young secondary a thing or two about how to create turnovers and force the issue. He would instantly take over as a leader on the field as well as in the locker room.
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