The Falcons have multiple positional needs aside from the quarterback position.
Following the quarterback, the most urgent requirement seems to be a wide receiver. Zac Robinson is expected to utilize numerous three-receiver formations, and currently, Drake London is the only receiver on the roster who is considered valuable. Addressing this need is crucial.
The next two needs, in my opinion, are cornerback and edge rusher, both on the defensive side of the team. While there are several potential solutions available for the edge rusher position in the market, the same cannot be said for cornerbacks.
L’Jarius Sneed is an intriguing option that the Atlanta Falcons have shown interest in, as reported by Tyler Dragon of USA Today and Tony Pauline. However, acquiring Sneed and extending his contract would demand a substantial amount of resources.
The free agent market might present a few possibilities, and according to Pro Football Focus, there are a couple of players who are considered suitable for Atlanta’s needs.
27. CB Chidobe Awuzie, Cincinnati Bengals
Potential landing spot(s): Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta needs help at cornerback opposite A.J. Terrell, and there are not many options here. Raheem Morris got a lot out of a young, inexperienced crop of cornerbacks with the Los Angeles Rams over the past few years, but here he builds around a strong duo. A major extension for Terrell may necessitate a cheaper move here for Atlanta.
Awuzie recently concluded a three-year contract worth $21 million with the Bengals, having initially started his career with the Cowboys. Considering his age of 28 and the fact that he made just 32 starts in those three seasons, his price should be reasonable. Acquiring Awuzie would be a sensible move for the Falcons, as there are certainly worse options available to them.
148. CB Keisean Nixon, Green Bay Packers
Potential landing spot(s): Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta not only needs help in the slot but also had one of the weaker kick return units in 2023, so Nixon is a good fit on both counts.
Nixon established himself with the Packers, primarily excelling as a nickel defender and special teams returner. Considering that the Falcons are anticipating the return of Avery Williams, it raises questions about the impact Nixon would have on special teams.
Furthermore, it appears that the Falcons may not require assistance in the slot cornerback position. Dee Alford and Mike Hughes demonstrated enough potential that Atlanta shouldn’t feel compelled to allocate additional salary cap funds to that position. If there are concerns about Clark Phillips’ suitability for the boundary cornerback role, that is where the Falcons should focus their efforts on strengthening, rather than the slot position.
