Disclaimer: Because of the nature of Atlanta’s cap state of affairs, I didn’t grade these strikes primarily based on the “splashy” nature, however purely off their potential effectiveness and the way they have an effect on the group within the close to future.
Free company is a time of hope in a time the place most NFL followers are craving for it. The brand new league yr begins and the web page is formally turned towards the 2025 season. For the Atlanta Falcons, there have been questions on what this free company interval would maintain after coming into the week over the cap. Basic Supervisor Terry Fontenot spent his first two years scraping the Falcons out of cap hell, all for one ill-advised contract to probably push Atlanta proper again into it.
Fortunately, primarily based on the primary three video games of his profession, the Falcons did find yourself discovering a reputable signal-caller in soon-to-be-second-year quarterback Michael Penix, Jr. Now, this low season is devoted to pushing this protection to fulfill the offense the place it’s projected to be with 4 first-round picks.
With the primary week of this push to prioritize the protection within the e-book, we grade every of Atlanta’s signings, releases and every thing in between.
Releasing DT Grady Jarrett
Grade: C-
With the Falcons coming in over the cap, there have been questions on what tough choices needed to be made to get again below.
I don’t suppose any followers in Atlanta might have anticipated this.
Grady Jarrett, the decade-long chief of the protection, discovered himself a cap casualty on the primary day of free company. Whereas his $16.25 million cap aid was good and in the end, in all probability needed, shedding that form of voice on that aspect of the soccer is a tricky tablet to swallow. To not point out the defensive deal with that was anticipated to not be on the group in 2025, David Onyemata, continues to be on the roster. That’s in all probability as a result of projected $10.5 million cap financial savings as a post-June 1 reduce, in response to OverTheCap.com.
Extending OT Jake Matthews
Grade: B-
With Jarrett gone, the ultimate piece of the magical 2016 Tremendous Bowl run is 33-year-old Jake Matthews. And, in response to his new $45 million extension, there’s no indicators, no less than to the entrance workplace, of him slowing down. The $7 million the transfer freed up helped Atlanta turn into cap compliant forward of Wednesday’s new league yr deadline.
Not a lot to be stated about this deal. Matthews doesn’t appear to be near any cliff athletically and has been an above common to good deal with for his complete 11-year profession in Atlanta.
So, for the entrance workplace to return to the conclusion of “What’s two extra years?” isn’t essentially stunning.
Signing LB Divine Deablo
Grade: A
To begin with, what a reputation.
Secondly, whether or not that was sideline to sideline or in protection, Atlanta appeared to be significantly vulnerable to large performs on the second degree on account of an absence of athleticism in 2024. So, the low-risk wager on a participant like Deablo, who continued to point out flashes as a Las Vegas Raider, is one that would probably repay handsomely for the Falcons.
With Andersen’s well being and Landman’s roster standing unsure, Atlanta wanted to discover a solution to improve at linebacker. Whereas the highest of the draft continues to be a risk, the Deablo signing offers Atlanta a certainty that they allocate sources to constructing out that a part of the protection.
Re-signing CB Mike Hughes
Grade: B
After being one of many lone shiny spots from final yr’s protection, Mike Hughes could have discovered himself a house as, at minimal depth on the cornerback place, in Atlanta. Hughes is one other low-cost wager as his three yr, $18 million contract makes it simple to look to draft to probably discover a solution.
Nevertheless, in the event you’re unable to land one, you’re feeling happy with realizing what you’re getting on the surface with Hughes on the opposite aspect of Terrell.
That is one other cut price wager in a while within the first week that would repay very properly for Atlanta, particularly if Hughes retains the identical degree of play as final season below new DC Jeff Ulbrich.
Signing EDGE Leonard Floyd
Grade: B+
Signing a move rusher of Leonard Floyd’s caliber will all the time rating brownie factors with Falcons followers. Truly, signing a move rusher interval is often sufficient, however when they’re coming off an 8.5 sack season and have had the profession success (two years of 10+ sacks, together with 2023 w/ Buffalo), it’s going to be checked out fairly fondly.
That being stated, we had been simply right here final season with the Matt Judon signing. Whereas brushing that off with a easy “oh, that was completely different” like Crimson from Friday will be the reply, we have now to acknowledge that there are some dangers of the identical form of fall-off for a 32-year-old Floyd.
Signing CB Mike Ford, CB Keith Taylor, LB Josh Woods
Grade: B
Will this signing be the distinction between the Falcons profitable a Tremendous Bowl or not? In all probability not. However whenever you’re re-building a protection, you want each benefit you may get, together with subject place.
When taking part in Atlanta, groups, on common, began at round their very own 31-yard-line, which ranks 21st within the NFL. Not dangerous, however take into consideration gaining a yard or two on common on each drive and what that would do for a protection that might be looking for itself in 2025?
All that to say, securing a particular groups ace like Mike Ford, who already has expertise taking part in for Particular Groups Coordinator Marquice Williams in 2022 for $2 million a yr is a steal.
The Falcons additionally secured LB Josh Woods to probably push for a backside of the roster spot. Cornerback Keith Taylor can be credible depth and particular groups assist, as properly.
Re-signing WR KhaDarel Hodge
Grade: A
Good groups reward good gamers after they have good years. That’s precisely what the Falcons did for Professional Bowl particular groups extraordinaire KhaDarel Hodge.
For years, Hodge has continued to do no matter this group has wanted from him to assist them be in a greater place to win. Final yr, that every one got here to a head as he confirmed out with a number of big performs on particular groups from blocked punts to recovering fumbles for touchdowns.
Each group wants gamers who’ve that canine mentality and Hodge is being rewarded for his with job safety and a pleasant pay elevate.
Re-signing DL Ta’Quon Graham
Grade: C+
There’s probably not a lot to say about this re-signing, Ta’Quon Graham has proven flashes of being depth piece and, as long as he’s on the sector (he missed seven video games final season on account of a season-ending pectoral harm), he’ll proceed to be a stable piece for the Falcons.
Re-signing OL Kyle Hinton, Elijah Wilkinson, Storm Norton, Brandon Parker
Grade: B-
I lumped all of Atlanta’s offensive line depth strikes into one, as a result of, that’s what they’re. They’re the Falcons re-signing and retaining continuity alongside one of many higher offensive traces within the league.
I couldn’t give it an A or higher, as a result of the one participant that really wanted to be resigned, middle Drew Dalman, left to seize a pleasant bag with the Chicago Bears (or Chicago Falcons, apparently).
However shoring up the offensive line and permitting sources within the draft to go towards constructing the protection is nice course of for the place the Falcons are proper now of their re-build/tooling.
Signing DL Morgan Fox
Grade: A
When one door closes, one other door opens.
The younger core of Ruke Orhorhoro, Ta’Quon Graham, Zach Harrison and Brandon Dorlus must be improved from final yr, however it in all probability received’t be sufficient to propel this line to the heights of a playoff-caliber protection. Particularly with no veteran presence like Jarrett to guide them on the road.
In comes Morgan Fox.
Sure, he’s on the incorrect aspect of 30 and isn’t essentially the most stout of run defenders, however his manufacturing as a pass-rusher is greater than sufficient to warrant the $4.25 million a yr wager.
