The objective is clear this off-season in Atlanta: Add quality defensive talent across all three levels to improve a flawed group.
Going into Terry Fontenot’s fifth offseason as general manager, he has operated on both ends of the free agency spectrum. It started in difficult circumstances having to maneuver around severe cap constraints to acquire talent in his first two years. Thomas Dimitroff’s financial damages were washed away in 2023, allowing the organization to pursue the best players on the market.
The front office broke the bank on several players over the last two years, leading to mostly success, albeit one massive disappointment agonizingly looming over the organization. The great talent acquired can be overshadowed when the biggest mistake comes at the most important position with a likely $25 million cap hit.
After making a massive offensive move in every offseason since becoming general manager in 2021, Fontenot will work relentlessly with Raheem Morris to improve a below-average defense. All three levels of the defense can use upgrades in key areas. That’s why only defensive players will be featured for the first time in my yearly tradition of putting together a Falcons’ free agency wish list.
Before 2023, Derrick Shelby was the only player signed on my wish list in 2016. More accurate choices were made recently with Jessie Bates and David Onyemata. Kirk Cousins was an obvious choice last year, but Darnell Mooney has proven to be the most impressive selection from all my wish lists. The signing was a great fit for a team that needed a capable wide receiver with blistering speed and route-running ability. Mooney ended up being one of the more prolific wide receivers in the league.
Ten players will be selected from five positions for the wish list. Unlike in past years, the dream signing label won’t be used. This year’s free agency group is underwhelming on paper. While plenty of intriguing players should be available, organizations will struggle to find potential franchise cornerstones that can take a team to the next level.
That’s why “high impact signing” describes the best major move the Falcons can make at each position, followed by a good quality moderate signing classified as a solid keeper. As Mooney proved last season, a “solid keeper” could transform into a true difference-maker. The defense could certainly use that with the amount of holes they have.
Cornerback
High Impact Signing: Byron Murphy Jr.
Considering how much the front office has invested in the secondary over the last two years, it feels unlikely they would make another major move. Capitalizing on a market filled with dependable, versatile above-average cornerbacks must be considered. It’s the best position going into free agency with several established players that bring terrific man coverage abilities and physical edge wherever they go. Murphy Jr. is among the top players available following his outstanding season on one of the NFL’s most stellar defenses in Minnesota.
Although his high interception total (six) comes largely from miscommunications and overthrows, the aggressive corner produced 14 pass breakups and thrived in several areas. His flexibility gives defensive coaches more opportunities to use disguises and creative pressure designs. What makes Murphy Jr. most intriguing is his ability to play in the slot, which was one of the Falcons’ biggest weaknesses last season. Dee Alford was frequently targeted, no matter what the coverage alignment was. Adding a major upgrade inside, one who can shift outside, could work wonders for a lopsided secondary needing more solidity.
Solid Keeper: Mike Hilton
As Cincinnati navigates through contract negotiations with their top stars, it’s all but certain Hilton won’t be re-signed. He can pursue a new opportunity to play in a more stabilized defense after the debacle in Cincinnati last season. That team needs to revamp their entire unit while teams can pursue their few quality older starters. Hilton is aging but still possesses appealing traits as a slot corner who excels at playing the run. It’s one of the primary attributes that made him a fan favorite for the Bengals.
Hilton is more comfortable in zone coverage, which could bode well given the mix of coverage Morris likes to run. His ties with Bates from having enormous success together in Cincinnati could make this a natural fit for him. Every good defense needs veterans regardless of whether the team is a contender or rebuilding. Hilton is a high-character, physical player who can immediately be a leader in any locker room. His experience in the slot and being a commanding presence could be welcoming for a unit in transition needing more leaders to emerge.
Edge Rusher
High Impact Signing: Josh Sweat
After years of being a key player on ultra-talented defensive lines, it would be fascinating to see Sweat as the primary pass rusher on a team that notoriously struggles to generate pressure. Shining on the biggest stage in the Eagles’ dominant Super Bowl victory certainly created more excitement about him. His overwhelming power became a nightmare for the Chiefs’ tackles in one of the most impressive defensive performances in Super Bowl history. Exploding as he did after another relatively solid season will raise questions about how teams value him.
Sweat has never been an All-Pro caliber edge rusher. He has benefited from playing for an organization that stays well-equipped up front to impose its will against any opponent. As tempting as it can be to add a true pocket pusher who can bully tackles, signing a player to a lucrative contract who shined on great defenses but never was the main driving force behind their success is risky.
Morris experienced that firsthand in 2020 when Dante Fowler was their marquee signing. His production with the Rams never translated into anything of substance in Atlanta. Sweat is a different type of edge rusher who produced five years of steady consistent play. If the organization desperately wants to pursue a productive edge rusher in his prime, he should be the first player on their list. It does have to be emphasized there are valid reasons to be cautious in their pursuit.
Solid Keeper: Chase Young
Adding a power rusher with plenty to prove but best suited to be a second-edge rusher could be the more practical approach to improving the pass rush in free agency. Fontenot could go back to where he established himself to sign that player. Young has revived his career after nearly having it derailed by numerous injuries. Although it’s well-documented that he won’t ever play up to the lofty expectations when entering the league, the former number two overall pick found his niche in New Orleans.
Young stopped trying to be this all-purpose pass rusher attempting moves that didn’t suit his skill set. Instead of wasting reps with spin move attempts and bending outside, he dialed in on going straight at opposing tackles’ chests with sheer power, clever hand usage, and slick dips. Look no further than how he beat Jake Matthews for a strip sack in New Orleans’ upset win. Playing more to his strengths translated into solid production for a team that didn’t play with many leads for most of the season. Signing Young could be worthwhile, especially with him only turning 26 years old next month.
Safety
High Impact Signing: Jeremy Chinn
A more versatile, in-box safety with a tone-setting attitude who is also comfortable lining up as an extra linebacker would provide a huge boost to the defense. Opting to sign Justin Simmons forced Bates to play closer to the line of scrimmage than he ever did. According to Pro Football Focus, Bates played 322 snaps as a box safety last season after never exceeding 191 snaps in that area in his career. Bates is at his best covering the intermediate to deep part of the field. A more accustomed strong safety who excels against the run aligns better with how Bates flourishes.
Chinn was one of the unsung heroes for an overachieving Washington defense. He lined up all across the field but notably thrived against the run and in the middle of the field. Opponents quickly recognize the physical edge he brings with his hard-hitting ability. KhaDarel Hodge felt his power on a ferocious hit that prevented a big completion down the seam in a pivotal Sunday night matchup. His reliability as a tackler would make a significant difference, considering how much Atlanta’s secondary struggled making open-field tackles last season. If the front office wants to add a genuine lift on the back end with a proven starter entering his prime, Chinn is the best option.
Solid Keeper: Tony Adams
When he wasn’t getting benched because of orders from an owner who uses Madden ratings in his decision-making process, Adams proved to be a capable starter in a decimated Jets’ defense. His experience playing under Jeff Ulbrich makes him an ideal fit if the organization would prefer to bring in safety competition at a lower cost than signing a certified starter to a long-term deal. Adams is a solid open-field tackler who plays with good range and awareness.
Although he played better in 2023, as practically every Jets’ defensive player did, there wasn’t a significant decline last season where his ability should be questioned. Going from being undrafted to playing over 750 snaps for multiple seasons speaks volumes. This would be a low-risk move that could pay off as greater investments are made in other positions.
Interior Tackle
High Impact Signing: Levi Onwuzurike
The low sack total (1.5) doesn’t quantify the overall impact Onwuzurike made. His ability to line up in different areas and push the pocket proved vital for a defense decimated by injuries. In Detroit’s impressive dominant win over Minnesota to secure home-field advantage, Onwuzurike produced eight hurries and one hit, per Pro Football Focus, to rattle Sam Darnold for what became one of the most surprising defensive performances of the season.
If terms can’t be reached with Grady Jarrett on a restructured deal, Onwuzurike would be a strong long-term replacement. Pride of Detroit’s Al Karsten analyzed his versatility across the defensive line, which helped Aaron Glenn maximize his capabilities and cope with the injuries surrounding the defensive line. There is eye-opening explosiveness when watching the former second-round pick get off the line of scrimmage and use his violent hands to create havoc. Going into his fourth full season in the league—he missed 2022 with an injury—Onwuzurike could be due for a breakout season.
Solid Keeper: Poona Ford
Signing a proven, run-stuffing interior tackle who can take on double teams and erase gaps would be wise if David Onyemata is released. As much as the Falcons need more youth up front, every defensive line needs a few veterans to play quality snaps and elevate younger talent. Ford had a resurgent season with the Chargers, becoming one of the primary reasons behind their remarkable defensive success. His knack for getting under offensive linemen’s pad level and driving them backward gave opposing running games fits. Despite not being known for pass-rushing ability, the former Longhorn can push the pocket to disrupt a quarterback’s rhythm.
Given his previous inconsistencies and limitations as a pass rusher, teams may hesitate to offer him a lucrative long-term contract. His impact as a space-eater in a league where running the ball is becoming more prioritized could shift viewpoints on one-tech defensive linemen like him. He can be massive for a defense like the Falcons, given their tendency to play with more light boxes. His performances have earned respect around the league, most notably from future Hall of Famer Jason Kelce.
Linebacker
High Impact Signing: Dre Greenlaw
If the coaching staff doesn’t believe Troy Andersen can be relied on, they will need to be urgent in upgrading at linebacker. One of the bigger personnel strengths in 2023 regressed into one of the most fatal flaws last season. As impressive as Kaden Elliss can be, he is best suited near the line of scrimmage rather than on an island covering running backs or tight ends ten yards downfield. Nate Landman isn’t athletic enough to start as a three-down linebacker. The lack of range and agility was evident from watching the group, especially when linebackers not named Andersen had to run sideline to sideline.
Greenlaw would be a splash signing based on his pedigree and skill set. San Francisco’s defense was nowhere near the same without him last season. His partnership with Fred Warner proved to be one of the key components of their success in 2022 and 2023. The dynamic linebacker possesses several terrific attributes from his willingness to take on blocks, fierce hitting ability, coverage instincts, and relentless motor. There will need to be patience with him after an unsuccessful attempt at rushing his recovery from tearing his Achilles. Whoever signs him will get a tremendous player and leader.
Solid Keeper: Jamien Sherwood
Another player with strong ties to Ulbrich could fit nicely into the defensive reconstruction plan. Sherwood emerged as one of the few bright spots in a nightmare Jets’ season. His coverage ability while being effective as a blitzer will generate plenty of interest. The consistency in making open-field tackles was evident from watching him nullify potential big gains.
There have already been links with the Falcons potentially pursuing him. While the fit makes sense if they want to add a capable linebacker, it may cost more than expected for a player who has only played more than 193 snaps once in his career. The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt believes Sherwood will receive a sizable payday. That puts the organization in a position where they must decide if addressing the position is worth significantly investing in. There are bigger positional needs, but a player like Sherwood can stabilize a position needing athleticism and range.