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Atlanta Falcons top ten options in free agency to replace Calvin Ridley

By Nick Halden

ORCHARD PARK, NY - NOVEMBER 24: John Brown #15 of the Buffalo Bills makes a touchdown pass reception during the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at New Era Field on November 24, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. Buffalo defeats Denver 20-3. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - NOVEMBER 24: John Brown #15 of the Buffalo Bills makes a touchdown pass reception during the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at New Era Field on November 24, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. Buffalo defeats Denver 20-3. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 29: Justin Hardy #14 of the Atlanta Falcons in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 29: Justin Hardy #14 of the Atlanta Falcons in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

4. Justin Hardy is a familiar face that makes sense despite his lack of production

Hardy spent all five of his seasons with the Falcons finishing with 946-career receiving yards and catching 9-touchdown passes. Over the span of five years, this equates to a solid role player, not the starting receiver that Atlanta needs.

However, Atlanta is currently utilizing role players as starters and Hardy is an upgrade over their current options. Putting Sharpe and Hardy into the starting lineup in place of Gage and Sharpe is a marginal improvement.

Hardy is more consistent and offers Matt Ryan a player that has more experience in the Atlanta offense. Hardy comes in at fourth on the list based on the fact he would be cheap and familiar with the Falcons offense. His talent is only marginally better than Atlanta’s current depth options.

Hardy’s best season came in Atlanta’s infamous Super Bowl year. It was a season that saw Matt Ryan spreading targets around and Hardy benefitted from putting together his best season to date. It seems unlikely many other teams will have interest in Hardy even as a depth piece giving Atlanta a chance to sign Hardy at the minimum with no risks. If he cannot produce at the level he did in seasons past Atlanta can cut him and move on.

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