3 free agents the Atlanta Falcons should instantly sign after the Julio Jones trade
In the seemingly never-ending war between the Atlanta Falcons and the salary cap, something had to give. We finally got our answer about what that something was with the news that Julio Jones was being traded to the Tennessee Titans.
While the debate rages on about whether general manager Terry Fontenot should have traded him, the Atlanta Falcons are now safely under the salary cap.
The team now has over $16 million in cap space.
A large portion of that will be spent on the rookie class, but there will still be more than enough money to add a few free agents. Head coach Arthur Smith has been adamant that the team isn’t rebuilding and can win in 2021 and there’s certainly a young core capable of doing so.
The Atlanta Falcons roster has more than just one hole, though, and they’ve just lost one of the few superstars that they had. So who should they target? Which positions are in the biggest need of talent and which available players could improve the team?
Melvin Ingram
Melvin Ingram might be coming off the worst season of his professional career but he’d be an instant upgrade to the Atlanta Falcons pass rush.
After being selected in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, Ingram’s career got off to a slow start. A torn ACL in his second season threatened to derail it further but he overcame it to become one of the most consistent edge rushers in the NFL.
In the five seasons between 2015 and 2019, Ingram registered 43 sacks and 10 forced fumbles. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
The 2020 season was dominated by knee injuries. Two separate spells on injured reserve prevented him from ever really getting started and the Los Angeles Chargers decided not to re-sign him when his contract ended.
Ingram has played in schemes that have asked him to stand up as an outside linebacker and has played in schemes that have asked him to put his hand in the dirt as a defensive end. He’s versatile and would be going to a defensive coordinator in Dean Pees who loves versatility. Ingram is capable of playing the run and has the coverage ability to drop back occasionally if needed. If the Falcons just wanted somebody to rush the passer, though, he’d be more than capable of occupying that role too.
The Chargers could look to bring him back if he remains on the market much longer. Atlanta Falcons news hasn’t been the most positive recently. Signing Ingram would change that. The Falcons should pair him with Dante Fowler and let Pees have some fun.