Falcons 2023 Offseason: One Free Agent, One Draft Pick, One Trade — Safeties

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We’re finally at the end of this series! This is a position where the Falcons could use a lot of help this offseason. Jaylinn Hawkins and Richie Grant have been shaky at times, and there is a premium free agent that I like for the Falcons. I will have no complaints when it comes to spending money on defense, so let’s get into it. Previous editions are listed below:

One Free Agent: Jessie Bates III

At 26 years old, Jessie Bates is the perfect target for the Falcons. He may be my top target overall. Bates is one of the best safeties in the NFL, and it appears he and the Bengals will not reach a deal before he hits free agency. He was franchise tagged this season, so he’s looking for some security. The Falcons can offer him that. Bates is a versatile piece that can play all over the field and transform a defense. Tarvarius Moore out of San Francisco is another sneaky low-cost option who can play a lot of positions, something that should appeal to the Falcons. Taylor Rapp and Jabrill Peppers make sense as well.

 

One Draft Pick: Christopher Smith

Smith is one of the key pieces of a very good Georgia defense, and it’s possible the Falcons could snag him late on day two of the draft. He would make for some solid depth — he’s a willing tackler with good instincts. His six interceptions and six tackles for a loss over the last two seasons are proof of that. He’s a tough, physical swiss army knife that can play all over Dean Pees’ defense.

 

One Trade: Eddie Jackson

The Bears need to rebuild, and after shipping off Chase Claypool for a second round pick to the Steelers, they may look to recoup on that by trading Eddie Jackson and his big contract. Jackson is one of the few names that would make sense — he’s a great player, but in my opinion, there’s too many good free agents available that wouldn’t cost the Falcons a draft pick in a trade.

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