3 Ways the Atlanta Falcons can win free agency in 2023

By Nick Halden | Mar 13, 2023

Dec 11, 2022; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates III (30) celebrates after intercepting a pass from Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 14 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022. Mandatory Credit: Sam Greene-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 29, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates III (30) and defensive end Joseph Ossai (58) take the field against the Kansas City Chiefs prior to the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Sign Jessie Bates and a top pass rusher to pair with Lorenzo Carter

Atlanta finally has the cap space and the draft picks to fix their defensive issues with the most obvious being the lack of help at safety and very little pass rush. Atlanta brought back Lorenzo Carter on a team-friendly deal that allows the team continued flexibility to bring in a top pass-rushing option whether that is Leonard Floyd, Khalil Mack, or landing one of this year’s top pass-rushing prospects.

Atlanta’s defensive line needs to be the priority bringing in upgrades will make life far easier for Carter and Grady Jarrett and should result in an uptick in production from both players.

Bates is the quickest fix for Atlanta’s secondary allowing the team to continue to build around A.J. Terrell and develop its young corners.

Signing Bates will cost Atlanta, however, it is a move that will be well worth it for a player who has playoff experience and is still in the middle of his prime seasons.

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