Atlanta Falcons made the right decision moving on from Russell Gage

Russell Gage was the leading receiver for the Atlanta Falcons last season despite an inconsistent season the receiver finished the year with 770-receiving yards. His production took a small step back from the previous season despite having an extra game and a large increase in his workload.

The Atlanta Falcons lost Julio Jones in a trade and Calvin Ridley left the team shortly after the start of the season leaving Gage as the number one option. Despite the increase in chances Gage’s numbers took a small step back and the Atlanta Falcons had their answer on whether or not they needed to lock up Gage long-term.

Atlanta needed a full rebuild now isn’t the time to pay a receiver who is at his best when he is the team’s third option. Gage joined the Tampa Bay Bucs this off-season allowing the receiver to transition back into a third or fourth option on an offense that thrives on distributing the football.

Losing Gage hurts but it was the right decision for a team that needed to focus on finding a long-term number one option alongside tight-end Kyle Pitts. Gage is a piece for a contending team something Atlanta won’t be for at least another season.

While Gage’s numbers and production down the stretch stand out it is important to remember as well the receiver struggled early on in the season. In the first two games of the season, Gage managed only 28-yards when the team was desperate to find an answer at the position.

As difficult as it might be there is no question the Atlanta Falcons made the right decision in parting ways with Russell Gage and giving the team more time before they have to pay anyone at the position.  Drake London and Bryan Edwards will both prove to be better receivers than Gage giving Atlanta the long-term answer they need while Gage finds short-term success with Brady in Tampa.