Why The Falcons Should Pursue Jimmy Graham In Free Agency

The Atlanta Falcons may want to consider adding to their tight end group. Specifically, they may want to look at free agent Jimmy Graham.

The Atlanta Falcons are almost two weeks removed from their season-ending divisional round loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Now, the focus in Atlanta has immediately shifted to what offseason adjustments need to be made in order to return the Falcons to the dominance they displayed in 2016.

Offensive woes plagued the Falcons in 2017.

From failing to execute the deep ball as they did in 2016 to a myriad of dropped passes, the Falcons offense did not find a consistent stride in 2017.

Much of the blame for the Falcons offensive shortcomings has been put on Falcons Offensive Coordinator Steve Sarkisian.

Execution in the red zone, failing to target Julio Jones more in the end zone, and not utilizing Wide Receiver Taylor Gabriel all played roles in Sarkisian being on the hot seat in just his first season in Atlanta.

More from Blogging Dirty

• Atlanta Falcons are the perfect fit for Leonard Floyd
• 3 Largest Atlanta Falcons 2023 dead cap hits
• Atlanta Falcons trade up for a quarterback in this full mock draft
• Atlanta Falcons: 3 trade packages to land first-overall pick
• 3 Reasons the Atlanta Falcons shouldn’t fear Derek Carr and the Saints

Free agency is less than two months away and many wonder what key aqcuisitions the Falcons should pursue.

One notable name is Seattle Seahawks Tight End Jimmy Graham.

During his time in New Orleans, Graham was a headache for Atlanta as he was the top playmaker on offense and was a threat in the red zone.

The Falcons have not had a star tight end since Tony Gonzalez.

Current tight ends Austin Hooper and Levine Toilolo have helped the Falcons keep the chains moving on offense but have not proven themselves dominate tight ends.

Jimmy Graham can help any team get those hard-earned yards on third down and even provide a solid target in the red zone.

In 2018, the Falcons will need to perform much better in the red zone.

In the Falcons last three games (including regular season and postseason), Kicker Matt Bryant made a total of 10 field goals. While Bryant’s success is to be commended, the end zone is always the goal for an offense.

If the Falcons are able to acquire Graham in March, along with drafting key talent on the offensive line, don’t be surprised if Atlanta reverts back to their success on offense in 2016.

Next: Atlanta Falcons scoping out potential guards

And who knows, maybe they will make a run at the Super Bowl, which will take place in Atlanta.