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.
Verdict: Walk
Elijah Wilkinson, OG, Atlanta Falcons
First up we have the Atlanta Falcons’ opening day starter at left guard—Elijah Wilkinson. Wilkinson was a solid, not great, option at left guard, and then he got injured for a large portion of the season.
From there, the position became a revolving door of ineffective play or injuries. Wilkinson came back to play the final two games.
Despite the instability following his injury, he isn’t a free agent the Falcons will be clamoring to bring back. He is solid but isn’t the long-term answer. Possibly he comes back on a cheap deal, even then, the team will probably look elsewhere for a starter.
Verdict: Walk
Colby Gossett, OG, Atlanta Falcons
Not to be rude but this seems like a pretty easy decision. Colby Gossett replaced Elijah Wilkinson but it didn’t take long before the coaches looked elsewhere. He was quite bad in weeks 12 and 13. There isn’t much reason to re-sign him.
Verdict: Walk
Germain Ifedi, OT, Atlanta Falcons
It seemed like Germain Ifedi had a shot to start at right tackle for the Atlanta Falcons in training camp, but that idea quickly blew away. It is always a good sign when your backup offensive tackle played only a handful of snaps during the season. He could come back to play in the same reserve role but they will likely be allocating money to a different tackle.
Verdict: Walk
Chuma Edoga, OT/OG, Atlanta Falcons
Chuma Edoga got to Atlanta just under two weeks before their opening game. Not much was expected of him and he ended up surpassing all of our expectations.
After a couple other players were injured at left guard, Edoga was inserted at the position and played great, until he got injured himself after one game. He can clearly play offensive tackle and offensive guard which makes him super valuable. The first player worthy of another contract.
Verdict: Re-sign
Kaleb McGary, OT, Atlanta Falcons
This is the Falcons’ biggest free agent. After some really rough years resulting in his fifth-year option being declined, Kaleb McGary played his best and earned himself a big payday.
There hasn’t been much talk on if the Falcons are prioritizing him or not, but he proved to be a great scheme fit and plays a position that isn’t easy to find. I lean toward the side of paying him because you know what he is. He is a great run blocker and a solid pass blocker at a position you shouldn’t play around with.
Verdict: Re-sign
Anthony Firkser, TE, Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons did not get the production they were expecting from the tight end position. It is an underrated need (even with a healthy Kyle Pitts) for them this offseason.
Anthony Firkser did not make a big impact as he only played 148 snaps and had a six-week lull of not playing a single snap. Needless to say, there were other options the team looked to first which doesn’t bode well for Firkser. I personally don’t see a reason to bring him back.
Verdict: Walk
Mycole Pruitt, TE, Atlanta Falcons
If the Falcons are going to bring back one of these tight ends, it will likely be Mycole Pruitt. Pruitt was the better pass catcher and had a respectable four touchdowns.
Their 2023 group of tight ends will be headlined by Kyle Pitts but it will be interesting to see who sits behind him. Will we see more of Parker Hesse? Will John FitzPatrick play at all? Those questions will determine whether Pruitt returns or not. At the very least, he would be good competition in training camp.
Verdict: Re-sign
Damiere Byrd, WR, Atlanta Falcons
One of my biggest pleas for the Atlanta Falcons this offseason is to find a speedster or two on offense.
Damiere Byrd was basically the only receiver that could run right past the defense but he is a veteran and they should consider looking to the draft for a burner and/or sign someone like Mecole Hardman or Phillip Dorsett who are younger. While Byrd made an impact in a couple of games, he isn’t a long-term option.
Verdict: Walk
Khadarel Hodge, WR, Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons essentially have Drake London and depth players under contract for next season. They will have to find some more talent at the position, but Khadarel Hodge wouldn’t be a bad option to bring back.
Outside of a critical drop early in the season, he was a good player on offense. He was also a great special teamer. The Falcons should consider signing him to another one-year deal.
Verdict: Re-sign
Olamide Zaccheaus, WR, Atlanta Falcons
If Marcus Mariota was going to be the team’s starting quarterback then this would be a no-brainer player to re-sign, but due to the struggles that Desmond Ridder and Olamide Zaccheaus had with finding chemistry, you have to reevaluate.
OZ is a great player and if Atlanta is confident that he and his quarterback can get on the same page during the offseason, then they should bring him back as a slot receiver. There is no reason to believe that they wouldn’t find chemistry with more time together.