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Atlanta Falcons offseason positional expectations: CB

By Andrew Ross

Dec 27, 2020; Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell (24) breaks up a pass intended for Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) in the fourth quarter of a NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2020; Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell (24) breaks up a pass intended for Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) in the fourth quarter of a NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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Atlanta Falcons
Nov 17, 2019; Charlotte, NC, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant (21) intercepts a pass in the end zone intended for Carolina Panthers wide receiver D.J. Moore (12) in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

The Atlanta Falcons are losing two key depth players to free agency

Both Blidi Wreh-Wilson and Darqueze Dennard are headed to free agency in 2021.

Blidi was originally a third-round pick for the titans in 2013, there was no overlap with current Falcons defensive coordinator Dean Pees. He signed with Atlanta in 2016 and has played on a one-year deal worth around league minimum each year.

He has been a fan favorite for years with the fan base regularly wondering why he didn’t receive more opportunities. When he has been on the field he has been a solid player. If the Falcons can bring him back on a vet minimum deal it’s a no-brainer decision.

Dennard was signed to a one-year deal before the 2020 season and was expected to be the starting nickel corner for the Falcons. He had some ups and downs but filled the role nicely until his season was derailed by injury. He only played in eight games and spent part of the year on IR due to a hamstring injury.

If the Falcons think Isaiah Oliver can continue to grow as the slot corner there is no need for Dennard to be a priority, though he would be a cheap depth option if needed.

The Falcons would be smart to find some veteran help to partner with AJ Terrell.

There are a lot of big names available in free agency. Richard Sherman and Patrick Peterson lead the list and while it is enticing, both are headed towards the back nine of their careers, and while they still can be starters their name value should drive their price tag over $10 million a year.

Xavier Rhodes has been up and down the last couple of years, struggling his last year in Minnesota but bouncing back in 2020 with the Colts. He could be affordable and would be a nice addition but would hamper the team’s salary cap for the remainder of free agency.

Former Falcons Desmond Trufant and Brian Poole are hitting the market as well. Trufant may be willing to take a cheap deal due to injury history and the fact he’s set to make $5.8 million from the Falcons already in 2021 from his last contract. Both would be affordable but with a new staff in place since their Falcon days, there is no reason for them to be a priority.

There are a ton of other affordable vets the Atlanta Falcons should take a look at that can be starters if needed but are short term answers at the position