Questions facing the Atlanta Falcons as they head into the offseason
Let’s take a look at the biggest questions facing the Atlanta Falcons as they head into the offseason.
The Atlanta Falcons were unsuccessful in their attempt to avenge last year’s Super Bowl loss to the New England Patriots. And although the season may be over for the Falcons, there is still plenty of work to be done. The offseason allots the franchise an opportunity to rest and catch it’s breathe, as well as a chance to make critical changes in order to compete for next year’s NFL title. Let’s take a look at the biggest questions facing Atlanta as they head into the offseason.
What to do on the Defensive Line?
By the looks of it, Atlanta will have Grady Jarrett, Jack Crawford, and a mix of practice squad players available at defensive tackle for this upcoming season. Jarrett and Crawford are both coming off an injury, and Dontari Poe, Courtney Upshaw, Ahtyba Rubin and Adrian Clayborn are all scheduled to become free agents.
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Do doubt Jarrett, who is widely considered a phenom at the position, and is certainly the player the Falcons have in mind for locking down the defensive line. But that’s just one tackle, and the other aforementioned names hardly look like a full-time starter.
All in all, Atlanta needs to find someone who plays alongside Jarrett for 40+ snaps. It’s either that, or set up a functioning rotation at the position. Theoretically, the team could resign Poe, but he’s an expensive option. Likewise, players like Sheldon Richardson and Star Lotuleilei will not be cheap additions. The best option for the Falcons going forwards is to re-sign cheaper options, and ultimately snag one more player for the rotation in the draft.
Who get the start at Guard? On Both Sides
This question has big ramifications for the 2018 Atlanta Falcons, but most fans would agree there’s an easy fix to this question. Specifically, Atlanta could keep/re-structure Andy Levitre’s contract in order to ensure there are no worries at left guard. Likewise, all indications suggest that Atlanta is vested in keeping Wes Schweitzer at right guard. Subsequently, that makes Sean Harlow the backup at both spots and Ben Garland the likely 3rd-stringer. Those assumptions could end up completely wrong however, given what the team did to Schweitzer in 2016.
Who’s Going to Be Ryan’s 3rd option?
Some fans feel like Atlanta will be looking to keep Taylor Gabriel around. Others feel that Gabriel’s lack of contribution in the screen will force the Falcons to ditch him. Likewise, there were several occasions that Turbo dropped the ball, and several times in which he failed to even get open. Accounting for the fact that he played an entire season with the Falcons, Gabriel’s production was not on par with the rest of the organization’s expectations. In the case that Atlanta lets him go, the Falcons might be better off exploring some options in the draft. After all, there’s not that great of talent hitting the market this NFL betting offseason.
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Are there Any Extensions in sight?
Considering that Matt Ryan, Tevin Coleman, Grady Jarrett, Jake Matthews, and Andy Levitre are all set to hit free agency next offseason, the Falcons should be working on some extensions at the current moment. That said, the Falcons are known for being notoriously late in their contract negotiations. However, this allowed the club to sign Trufant, Alford, and Schraeder at below-market prices. With that in mind, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Atlanta wait out a little longer.