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4 Star free agents the Atlanta Falcons should chase in 2023

By Nick Halden

Dec 25, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki (88) makes a catch against the Green Bay Packers during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki (88) makes a catch against the Green Bay Packers during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 2, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne (94) in action during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne (94) in action during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Daron Payne

If there is one impact-free agent at the top of the Atlanta Falcons’ wish list it should be defensive lineman Daron Payne. Payne is coming off a great season and will be rewarded in free agency. Atlanta’s biggest problem on defense for the past three years has been the consistent inability to win in the trenches. Opposing quarterbacks can stand all day in the pocket waiting for their receiver to beat the secondary or find a hole in the zone.

Signing Payne while costly would change this for the Falcons. Grady Jarrett and Daron Payne would be an elite duo that forced the interior of the offensive line to work together giving Atlanta’s edge rushers a far better chance to win consistently.

Add in Payne’s ability to stop the run and the Falcons shouldn’t hesitate to give Payne a reasonable contract. It seems likely Payne will demand a 4-5 year deal in the $16-20 million range giving Atlanta one of the most expensive defensive line duos in the league one that will change the way Atlanta plays defense and give them a chance to generate a consistent pass rush.

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