The Falcons were among the biggest spenders in free agency this year, sinking most of their available cap space into the defensive side of the ball.
Jessie Bates III, Kaden Elliss, David Onyemata, and Calais Campbell combined to cost the Falcons nearly $30 million in 2023. It hasn’t exactly produced better results compared to last season, but they’ll once again be participating in the free agent market this offseason.
As of right now without any cuts or restructures, the Falcons will have about $36 million to work with. Some current players will need new deals, like A.J. Terrell, as they did last offseason — i.e., Chris Lindstrom. However, most of their resources can be used to bring in even more talent. However, that number can balloon to somewhere around $45 million if they part ways with Mike Hughes and Taylor Heinicke.
The roster is in decent shape as it currently stands, but there’s a slew of impending free agents — Calais Campbell, Bud Dupree, Jeff Okudah, Mack Hollins, etc. — that will need to be replaced. In my eyes, here are the upcoming positional needs in order and potential targets from Brad Spielberger of PFF‘s top 50 rankings:
- Quarterback
- EDGE
- Cornerback
- Wide Receiver
- Defensive Line
2. QB Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings
Contract Projection: Two years, $60 million ($30 million per year), $37.5 million total guaranteed
If not for a torn Achilles, Kirk Cousins would be in line for another lucrative free agent deal and would have plenty of suitors as he did in 2018 when he left Washington. He’s still got enough left in the tank to operate Arthur Smith’s offense, especially with a bevy of weapons at his disposal. At $30 million per year, Atlanta would be hard pressed to find better value if Cousins can recover from the Achilles.
3. Edge Josh Allen, Jacksonville Jaguars
Contract Projection: Franchise tag
Spielberger’s projection is that the Jags franchise tag Josh Allen, so it’s a great time to note that Cousins, Allen, and some of the other impending free agents on this list probably won’t hit the market and will sign new deals with their current team. The few that don’t should interest the Falcons.
Allen, in particular, would give Atlanta that dominant EDGE defender they’ve been searching for. He already has 13.5 sacks and is in line to garner Defensive Player of the Year consideration; the Kentucky product would be a home run.
4. WR Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals
Contract Projection: Franchise tag
The Falcons could be interested in the 1,000-yard pass catcher for his ability to stretch the field, tilt 50/50 balls in Atlanta’s direction, and his down 2023 campaign could prove beneficial at the negotiating table. Signing a pass catcher this offseason could also line up well for when Drake London’s rookie contract expires and the Falcons look to extend him as well.
5. Edge Brian Burns, Carolina Panthers
Contract Projection: Franchise tag
I feel bad for Brian Burns. He’s one of the most elite pass rushers in the game and is in hell with the Panthers, who continue to refuse trade offers but don’t surround Burns with a capable roster. The Falcons likely won’t have an opportunity to sign him in free agency but a potential sign-and-trade could come to fruition.
9. CB Jaylon Johnson, Chicago Bears
Contract Projection: Franchise tag
Jaylon Johnson is amid a breakout campaign and should be rewarded, but like a lot of the impending free agents, his current club would be fools to let him walk for nothing. In that same breath, Johnson has Chicago by the metaphorical balls; he’ll end up getting paid. If he does push for a trade, the Falcons would be wise to inquire but must consider the contract A.J. Terrell will garner too.
10. CB L’Jarius Sneed, Kansas City Chiefs
Contract Projection: Three years, $52.5 million ($17.5 million per year), $35 million total guaranteed
Sneed has assumed multiple roles under Steve Spagnuolo, so he’s position versatile and scheme versatile. For the Falcons, finding a long-term partner for Terrell should be a primary goal this offseason. Paying Sneed or another cornerback in the same offseason as Terrell might not be what the club prefers, though.
12. Edge Danielle Hunter, Minnesota Vikings
Contract Projection: Three years, $65 million ($21.67 million per year), $40 million total guaranteed
The Vikings would be crazy to let Danielle Hunter walk in free agency. He is on pace for another double-digit sack season and is in the same tier as Burns and Allen. Hunter is also in the same franchise tag situation. Though Spielberger projects him to sign a three-year, $65 million deal, it’s possible he forces his way out via trade, which is the only way the Falcons could acquire him.
18. Edge Bryce Huff, New York Jets
Contract Projection: Three years, $40 million ($13.33 million per year), $28 million total guaranteed
Huff could be an interesting target for the Falcons, who desperately need consistency off the EDGE. He’s followed up a very impressive 2022 campaign with a similar 2023 season. Fortunately, he’s one of the more attainable free agents at a position of need for the Falcons.
48. Edge Josh Uche, New England Patriots
Contract Projection: One year, $7.25 million, $6.25 million fully guaranteed
Uche is an interesting free-agent target because he’s not a very well-rounded defender. He’s more of a pure pass rusher for money downs and late-game situations, which is certainly valuable for the Falcons. For $7.25 million, sign me up.
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Photographer: Larry Radloff/Icon Sportswire
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