Grading the Atlanta Falcons major offseason moves this year
Sign WR Geronimo Allison to an undisclosed contract
This is not the biggest signing but Allison could make an impact for the Falcons, but there is a chance that he does not make the roster. Allison is another big target for whoever the Falcons quarterback ends up being.
We do not know the details of this contract but expect a one-year deal around veteran minimum. Allison may contribute or he may not, it obviously depends on how the depth chart plays out.
Grade: B
Sign Auden Tate to 1 year, $1 million
This is another underrated move that Fontenot has pulled off, Auden Tate has sat behind some of the league’s best receivers throughout his time with the Bengals. Still, when he has been given an opportunity he has shown flashes of big potential.
The six-foot-five receiver will have the best shot of his career in Atlanta and even if he does not produce, the Falcons are not on the hook for much, so it is a no-lose situation.
Grade: B+
Trade for Bryan Edwards from the Raiders
This was a great move by Atlanta, Bryan Edwards was going to be buried on the depth chart for the Raiders, thus they were willing to move him for less than he is probably worth. Atlanta essentially traded back two rounds next year in exchange for the six-foot-three receiver.
Bryan Edwards, much like Tate, will get the best opportunity of his career. He was clutch for the Raiders in key situations and has shown the ability to make any play, just look at his highlights. You will see contested catches and one-handed catches, his potential is high.
Grade: A
Draft Drake London with the eighth-overall pick
Going into the draft it seemed like taking a receiver with a top-ten pick this year was a little too rich, but the Falcons obviously knew that receivers would go fast in this year’s draft, so they made the correct decision by using their top pick on one.
Drake London will slot in as the top receiver from day one and will be asked to do a lot for the offense. He has the ability to become the next Deandre Hopkins or Mike Evans with his physical attributes. It should be exciting to watch him this year.