Atlanta Falcons need one more impactful free agent

Barring any unforeseen injury during the Atlanta Falcons virtual offseason program, their roster is pretty much set.

The Atlanta Falcons front office staff, coaches, and others who get a say in personnel decisions are satisfied with the pieces this team has acquired via the draft and free agency. But they shouldn’t be just yet.

The Atlanta Falcons should still look to be buyers on the free agency market. Much of the attention this offseason has gone to the high profile names like Cam Newton and Jadeveon Clowney. And rightfully so. One of them has an MVP trophy at home and the other is seeking to get absolutely paid by his next team.

But there are some guys still available that could really help out the Falcons this year with an immediate impact. The Falcons drafted A.J. Terrell with their round one pick this year and didn’t trade back into the first round to get anyone else. That means putting your hopes on a secondary with a rookie and third-year starter, Isaiah Oliver, who has struggled in his first couple of years.

Atlanta Falcons need a veteran in the secondary

Which is why the Atlanta Falcons should be scanning the free agents, namely Logan Ryan. Over the past two years, Ryan has four picks (all last year) and 26 passes defended. He’s also a tackling machine for a cornerback with 113 combined tackles last year alone.

Oliver meanwhile has one career interception and only had 62 tackles last year. But stats aside, Ryan would bring something else to the table.

The Falcons secondary room is lacking veteran talent and experience. Ryan has won two Super Bowls and could elevate that group by helping shorten the learning curve. He’s gone against some of the top quarterbacks in the biggest moment and knows what it takes to get the job done.

It’s almost the same impact Dwight Freeney had on the defensive line when he was in a Falcons uniform. Except Ryan is still on the right side of 30.

There are a lot of hopes and what-ifs with the Falcons defensive line. But they already made a splash signing going after Dante Fowler, Jr. and Grady Jarrett is a force on his own. A pass rush is the best way to cover up a shaky secondary. But the Atlanta Falcons can take some pressure off those young guys with bringing in a player like Logan Ryan. And they should be willing to give him a call.