The Falcons have filled a lot of holes, but there’s still some work to be done in free agency. They re-signed Kaleb McGary on a team friendly deal, and they added Taylor Heinicke to the quarterback room. They also traded for Jonnu Smith, but the wide receiver group could still use a bit of help. Here’s a few players that could bolster the Falcons offense tremendously going into 2023.
WR Adam Thielen
While he isn’t the player he once was, Thielen is still an extremely productive guy and high-end WR2. He felt like a Viking for life, but he can be a Falcon any day. He has already scheduled a visit with the Panthers, so why shouldn’t the Falcons be interested?
2022 Stats: 70 Rec, 716 Yards, 10.2 YPC, 6 TD
WR Olamide Zaccheaus
The Falcons can probably get Zaccheaus back for pretty cheap, and I expect there to be mutual interest. Even without Ridley, Zaccheaus never took off. I understand potential frustration, but a team-friendly deal makes a ton of sense here.
2022 Stats: 40 Rec, 533 Yards, 13.3 YPC, 3 TD
WR Mecole Hardman
Although he dealt with some injury troubles in 2022, Hardman has been a productive player for the Chiefs and has helped them to a Super Bowl. He’s not Arthur Smith’s prototypical receiver, but he could be a dangerous weapon in the slot.
2022 Stats: 25 Rec, 297 yards, 11.9 YPC, 4 TD
WR DJ Chark
Over a couple of seasons in Jacksonville, Chark looked like a guy who could become a true star in the league. Water eventually found its level, but Chark is still a serviceable WR2. Pairing him with Drake London would be a very respectable duo, and if he decides to leave Detroit, I could see the Falcons pouncing.
2022 Stats: 30 Rec, 502 Yards, 16.7 YPC, 3 TD
WR Parris Campbell
The Colts were a disaster this year, but the speedy Campbell could still appeal to the Falcons, especially if they look to get him involved as a runner. He’s only 25 years old, so he could be a part of the present and future for Atlanta.
2022 Stats: 63 Rec, 623 Yards, 9.9 YPC, 3 TD
WR Darius Slayton
Slayton had a fantastic year in Brian Daboll’s offense, and the former Auburn Tiger may be looking to cash in on his performance. He’s absolutely in play as a WR2 alongside Drake London.
2022 Stats: 46 Rec, 724 Yards, 15.7 YPC, 2 TD
TE Foster Moreau
The LSU product had a strange year in Vegas, but he’s still a threat to make a big play as a receiver. He isn’t much of a run blocker, but he is a weapon in the passing game.
2022 Stats: 33 Rec, 420 Yards, 12.7 YPC, 2 TD
TE Austin Hooper
After being let go by the Browns, Hooper revitalized his career with the Titans. Perhaps a little reunion is in order? I’d love to have Hooper back if the price is right.
2022 Stats: 41 Rec, 444 Yards, 10.8 YPC, 2 TD
TE Dalton Schultz
Perhaps the best name in this class besides Gesicki, Schultz proved that he’s a huge part of what makes Dallas’ offense tick. He’s a solid run blocker, and if the Falcons look to go big on tight end, I think Schultz will be in the mix. I don’t think Atlanta should spend big on a tight end (which is why Gesicki isn’t here), but Schultz could be the best combination of talent and price on the board, depending on his market.
2022 Stats: 57 Rec, 577 Yards, 10.1 YPC, 5 TD
OL Isaiah Wynn
Wynn has had his ups and downs with the Patriots, most notably a down year in 2022 in an offense coordinated by Matt Patricia. Still, he’s only 26 and another guy with positional flexibility. The Falcons should make a call to the former Georgia Bulldog.
OL Rodger Saffold
Saffold was one of my top targets whenever Arthur Smith was first hired, but he signed with his former team, the Titans, and was pretty productive. He’s coming off his second consecutive Pro-Bowl appearance and would make for a nice stopgap option in Atlanta.
OL Trai Turner
Turner is another name that was popular among Falcons fans, and although he had a pretty average year for the Commanders, he could slide right in at left guard.
OL Wes Schweitzer
The former Falcon had a few really good years after leaving Atlanta, but like Turner, he’s coming off a so-so season. I could still see the Falcons having an interest in their old friend.
OL Dalton Risner
Risner is young and has positional flexibility, which means he could be an option at center as well if the Falcons decide to go that route.
OL Elijah Wilkinson
Wilkinson was one of the more pleasant surprises for the Falcons in 2022, and I have absolutely no issues with bringing him back on another deal, even if the Falcons sign somebody else.
OL Isaac Seumalo
The Philadelphia Eagle is undoubtedly the prize of this class, as he was one of the better guards in all of football this season. He helped spearhead a revitalized Eagles run game, and I expect plenty of teams to be interested — including the Falcons.
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Photographer: Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire
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