Falcons GM alludes to free agent additions: ‘Final 53 not in the building’

As the Falcons approach training camp, the team isn’t quite set in stone. Atlanta’s roster has needs on both sides of the ball. The offensive line must add a starting-caliber guard to compete with Jalen Mayfield, despite the additions of Germain Ifedi and Elijah Wilkerson. The defensive front might be in more need. Grady Jarrett‘s running mate along the interior is non-existent at this point.

However, with over $13 million in cap space, the Falcons could still add at least one starting-caliber free agent. Arthur Smith has already stated the team will add to the trenches in free agency as training camp approaches.

Speaking on the thought process behind having so many receivers on the roster at this point in the offseason, Smith noted that since there isn’t actual football going on, they’re afforded the opportunity to go heavy in that area for two or three weeks to create as much competition as possible.

However, once real football commences, there will be more big men on their way. Smith noted that once training camp approaches, there will be additions along the trenches to balance things out. So instead of having 100 receivers and only a dozen linemen, they’ll get closer to equilibrium. However, I wouldn’t get excited about a high-profile signing, despite the Falcons having the cap space to pursue one. I imagine this is just procedural, and Atlanta will add depth competition, not starting-caliber free agents. Still, it is exciting that maybe the Falcons will make a splash free-agent signing in the trenches.

Moreover, Terry Fontenot echoed those sentiments on Friday in a radio interview with Andy Bunker and Randy McMichael of 92.9 The Game.