3 Veteran free agents the Atlanta Falcons should consider before week 1

Aug 1, 2022; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons team owner Arthur Blank in his cart talking to general manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Arthur Smith on the field during training camp at IBM Performance Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 1, 2022; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons team owner Arthur Blank in his cart talking to general manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Arthur Smith on the field during training camp at IBM Performance Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 26, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) looks on in the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) looks on in the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Cam Newton

Cam Newton as the third quarterback and a utility player in Arthur Smith’s offense would be an amazing wrinkle for Atlanta. It is one that has been suggested a number of times but seems to make even more sense now that Smith has insisted on putting Feleipe Franks on the roster. Even at this point in his career Cam is a better rusher, passer, and overall playmaker than Franks will be. Newton is enough of a passing threat that he can run a wildcat set and the defense has to show him respect.

If you’re an opposing defense and Franks steps under center how do you not dare him to throw the football? There hasn’t been anything in his NFL career that convinces you he can complete a pass under pressure. Franks as a tight-end is interesting but if Cam would accept the role it isn’t a question of who is more deserving of a roster spot.

Cam Newton brings energy and leadership as well that would perfectly fit this Atlanta Falcons underdog team. Cam to Atlanta isn’t going to happen in all likelihood but it is a fun fit to imagine and one Atlanta should have looked at a bit closer this off-season.

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