Falcons lose out on free agent wide receiver over contract issues

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More than a week ago, the Falcons brought in Saints free agent Tre’Quan Smith for a visit. Terry Fontenot has a connection to Smith, who was drafted in the third round of the 2018 NFL draft out of Central Florida. He was seemingly expected to develop alongside Michael Thomas into the team’s WR2, but that never came to fruition.

At 6’2” and 210-pounds, Smith is a big-bodied target that showed glimpses during his rookie season, hauling in three passes for 111 yards and two touchdowns on a Monday night against the then-Redskins. Versus the Eagles in the same season, Smith pulled in 10 receptions for 157 yards and a score.

The Falcons could’ve used Smith. He’s a capable red zone target, but the prospect of rejoining Fontenot in Atlanta has died. Smith re-signed with New Orleans on a two-year deal worth $6 million. According to Aaron Wilson, the Falcons negotiated with Smith but weren’t able to reach a deal.

 

Obviously, the Falcons felt $3 million AAV for a receiver of Smith’s caliber wasn’t worth it, but I’m not quite sure I see other options on the open market.

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