Three 2022 free agents the Atlanta Falcons regret not signing

Nov 6, 2022; Phoenix, AZ, United States; Arizona Cardinals linebacker Markus Golden (44) closes in on Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Rondone-Arizona RepublicNfl Cardinals Vs Seahawks Seattle Seahawks At Arizona Cardinals /

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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – NOVEMBER 20: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys escapes Za’Darius Smith #55 of the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /

Za’Darius Smith – OLB (Vikings, 3 yrs, $42 million)

You might be thinking that the Atlanta Falcons wouldn’t have been able to afford a $42 million contract, but when you dig deeper it would have been more than feasible. His base salary for this year is just $1.5 million with a cap hit of $3.3 million. There is also a potential out after one year before the deal inflates, the Vikings made a brilliant move with this deal.

Za’Darius Smith, much like Bradberry, left for a division rival as he went from the Packers to the Vikings, and he has delivered for a team that is near the top of the conference.

Smith has logged 9.5 sacks this year, which is six more than any Falcons outside linebacker has this year. However, this is the Atlanta Falcons, so for all we know, they would have messed this pass rusher up, along with every other one.

All jokes aside, Smith would have been a huge boost to a defense that fails to get consistent pressure.

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