Seven of the players the Atlanta Falcons have added to the team this off-season are former Chicago Bears reuniting with former Chicago GM Ryan Pace in Atlanta. The obvious trend this off-season has left so reason to wonder how much control Pace has in the Atlanta front office and if more former Chicago players could be headed to Atlanta?
Jimmy Graham, Danny Trevathan, Teshaun Gipson, and Jason Peters headline the remaining Chicago free agents. Despite the trend, it seems likely the Atlanta Falcons are done in free agency this season waiting to see what players could be cut throughout camp and the pre-season.
Atlanta has just over $11-million in cap space limiting what moves they can make between now and the start of the season. The team has plenty of depth lacking star talent but having plenty of options at nearly every position. This off-season has been about bringing in young players and veterans to have competition at nearly every position.
Ryan Pace obviously has a level of influence in the front office but it is worth pointing out the team is simply adding depth pieces someone in the front office is familiar with. This is less about re-building the Ryan Pace Bears and more about bringing in players like Eddie Goldman who will simply serve a veteran role.
The Falcons are using the knowledge in their front office to attempt to bridge the gap between now and next season when the team can afford to make real upgrades in free agency. This season is simply about making it through and developing their young players.
Re-building Pace’s Bears isn’t a winning strategy something everyone including Pace himself is well aware of. Atlanta’s off-season trend is simply about familiarity with depth players who can help the team make it through one last rebuilding season.