3 Key players the Atlanta Falcons lost to free agency

3. Lee Smith officially retires from the NFL

Technically the Atlanta Falcons lost Lee Smith well before free agency started now, however, is the perfect time to remember Atlanta is yet to replace what Smith brought to Atlanta. It wasn’t hard to tell Smith was a great teammate and loved on the Atlanta sideline. He was a great blocker and at times a surprise target for Matt Ryan.

As free agency continues Atlanta needs to find not only a blocking tight end to pair with Kyle Pitts but a veteran team leader. Smith may not have been a star player but those that watched Atlanta closely knows what he brought to the team.

Replacing Smith isn’t high on the priority list but it is certainly a move Atlanta must make in free agency. Finding a tight end in the draft to replace Smith is unlikely leaving a trade or a move in free agency as the most likely sources. Hayden Hurst is a player that is still on the market Atlanta could opt to bring back to help off-set the loss of Smith.

Overall Atlanta has made the right decisions on free agents thus far not overpaying and taking a patient approach allowing the right moves to present themselves.