Falcons: Deciding which offensive free agents should re-sign or walk
Making a decision on whether each Falcons’ offensive free agent should re-sign or walk
The hardest part about each offseason—for fans, players, and staff—is watching players walk out the door that you have grown accustomed to seeing in an Atlanta Falcons uniform.
In 2021, it was watching franchise legend Julio Jones get traded to the Titans. In 2022, it was watching their other legend, Matt Ryan, get traded to the Colts. Outside of Jake Matthews and Grady Jarrett, there aren’t any players that would have a nostalgic impact, which is good news.
Yet, we are bound to watch some players leave who will never be seen again in red and black. It is a business and each decision has reasoning. Here we will evaluate whether each offensive free agent should be re-signed or should walk, starting with the most exciting position in football.
Keith Smith, FB, Atlanta Falcons
Keith Smith has been an energizer for the Atlanta Falcons, especially on special teams. He has likely stuck with the team as long as he has for his value as a special teamer.
He is now in his 30s and plays a position that is relatively easy to replace. Teams—outside of Kyle Juszczyk with the 49ers—don’t have much loyalty to players at this position. It is time for Atlanta to get younger at fullback and move on from ‘Beef.’ I would predict that they let him go.