Two players Atlanta Falcons should make a push for this offseason

The Atlanta Falcons need to make a major splash this offseason. One star player and another pro-bowler come to mind who they should sign and make a potential trade for.

Early on this offseason, reports indicate that Dante Fowler, Jr. wants to be reunited with Dan Quinn and play for the Atlanta Falcons.

The Falcons were interested in drafting the defensive end from the Florida Gators in the 2015 draft, but he went third overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Quinn knows Fower, Jr. very well. Quinn coached him for the Gators during his freshman season in 2012. Although he recruited Fowler, Jr., he was also his defensive coordinator and position coach at Florida.

It’s safe to say that Quinn knows Fowler, Jr. quite well and is very familiar with his game.

The Falcons are in need of a dynamic pass rusher. He could be just the player there are looking to sign and make a big splash in free agency.

The question is, can they afford his price tag and will they clear enough cap space to make this come to fruition?

Fowler, Jr. recorded 11.5 sacks in 2019, which is three and a half more sacks than the Falcons sack leader, Vic Beasley, Jr., had. The Falcons have announced that they have moved on from Beasley, Jr. and will not be engaging in contract negotiations with him.

There is a good chance that the Falcons can land him, although it will be costly. This is exactly the kind of splash they need to make in free agency and land a proven pass rusher who can sack the quarterback.

If the Falcons are able to somehow sign him, they will most likely have to give up a compensatory pick, which might be worth it.

The Falcons will most likely be drafting a pass-rushing defensive end or tackle in the first round of the 2020 draft in April. Fowler, Jr. would be a nice veteran complement to a stud rookie on the defensive line.

The second player the Falcons should make a trade for (if available) is Detroit Lions Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay.

The 29-year-old is a three-time Pro Bowler who is currently seeking a long term contract. If a deal cannot be reached with the Lions, he very well could hit the trade block.

The Falcons would have to give up a lot to land Slay, but it very well could be worth it. Slay would be an instant upgrade in the secondary at cornerback. Slay has excellent career numbers through seven seasons, amassing 19 interceptions.

The Falcons were very close to trading running back Devonta Freeman at the deadline during the 2019 season but decided not to pull the trigger.

If contact extension talks break off with the Lions, the Falcons should pull the trigger on a trade. Freeman and a third-round pick to sweeten the deal might just consummate a potential trade.

These two players coming and playing for the Atlanta Falcons in 2020 might be a pipedream and might not be financially feasible.

Speculation aside, whether or not the Falcons are able to make either of these moves come to fruition, both of these players would be instant and major upgrades to the defense.

Most likely the Atlanta Falcons will be focusing on the defensive side of the ball in the upcoming 2020 draft.

A good mix of rookie studs and veterans on the defensive line and the secondary can only help to improve this defense in 2020. Nobody knows what the future holds, as rookie draft picks can be busts or productive players in their careers.

If the former occurs with the 2020 Atlanta Falcons draft class whoever it consists of, then obtaining both these star players will help offset that and at least give them some solid, veteran stability going into next season.