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5 Former Atlanta Falcons to watch closely this season

By Nick Halden

Indianapolis Colts QB, Matt Ryan (2) runs drills during the Indianapolis Colts mandatory mini training camp on Wednesday, May 8, 2022, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
Indianapolis Colts QB, Matt Ryan (2) runs drills during the Indianapolis Colts mandatory mini training camp on Wednesday, May 8, 2022, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis. /
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Cincinnati Bengals tight end Hayden Hurst (88) catches a pass during organized team activities practice, Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.Cincinnati Bengals Football Practice June 14 0049
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Hayden Hurst (88) catches a pass during organized team activities practice, Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.Cincinnati Bengals Football Practice June 14 0049 /

2. Hayden Hurst

Hayden Hurst was obviously frustrated with his role with the 2021 Atlanta offense after having a career-best 571-receiving yards during the 2020 season. Hurst having frustration with his lack of targets and lack of a defined role after a breakout 2020 season was understandable. It was odd the Falcons didn’t target him more considering their issues at receiver and their desperation to create an offense outside of Kyle Pitts and Cordarrelle Patterson.

For whatever reason Hurst simply wasn’t a fit for Arthur Smith’s offense and left in free agency signing with the Bengals. With Joe Burrow and the gun-slinging Cincy offense Hurst will have a chance to find the momentum he had a year ago and re-establish himself as a legitimate receiving option.

Hurst had a solid two-year run with the Falcons and was a fan favorite more so for how he carried himself off the field than the production on the field. Joining Joe Burrow and the Bengals is a solid move for Hurst that hopefully gives him a chance to play in meaningful games and make an impact he failed to make last season with Atlanta.

Hayden Hurst will likely be the fourth option with the Bengals though Burrow has a history of feeding every receiver on his roster.

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