theProf Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 Who is set to be a 2023 free agent for the Falcons? Atlanta will have some decisions ahead about who to bring back after a raft of one-year signings in 2022. By Dave Choate Jan 11, 2023 Free agency is a couple of months away, but it’s never too early to start thinking about who the Falcons may re-sign from their own list of impending free agents. In 2023, that list includes many players who had prominent roles in 2022, but are no locks to return given Atlanta’s plans to overhaul the roster with their wealth of cap space. Here’s a quick and dirty guide to who is coming up for free agency and who we think the Falcons might prioritize signing, based on how they fared in 2022. The upshot is that this team is likely to let many of its free agents go, but they do have a small list of players who could be valuable next year, albeit possibly in reduced roles. Please note that all ages listed are for the start of the 2023 season. Offense Unrestricted free agents FB Keith Smith, 31: 1 carry, 2 yards; 1 reception, 8 yards WR Olamide Zaccheaus, 25: 40 receptions, 533 yards, 13.3 yards per reception, 3 touchdowns WR Damiere Byrd, 30: 13 receptions, 268 yards, 20.6 yards per reception, 2 touchdowns WR KhaDarel Hodge, 28: 13 receptions, 202 yards, 15.5 yards per reception, 1 touchdown TE MyCole Pruitt, 31: 16 receptions, 150 yards, 9.4 yards per reception, 4 touchdowns TE Anthony Firkser, 28: 9 receptions, 100 yards, 11.1 yards per reception RT Kaleb McGary, 28: 17 starts, 86.6 Pro Football Focus grade, 5 penalties, 6 sacks allowed LG Elijah Wilkinson, 28: 9 starts, 64.3 Pro Football Focus grade, 5 penalties, 2 sacks allowed T/G Chuma Edoga, 26: 1 start, 77.8 PFF grade, 1 penalty T Germain Ifedi, 28 G Colby Gossett, 27: 4 starts, 55.3 Pro Football Focus grade, 3 penalties After a superlative 2022, McGary seems like a good bet to be re-signed. I waffled on that all season, but a strong finish and his work as a run blocker has me convinced the Falcons will use their influx of cap space to bring him back and solidify the line. Beyond that, there are no must re-signings here, though I expect the team to push to bring back Edoga (because of his versatility and strong work in a limited sample size), Zaccheaus, Pruitt, and perhaps Hodge. The team clearly likes Gossett as a reserve and Wilkinson did fine work at left guard in his nine starts, but his injuries and the team’s wealth of options at guard makes me think he’ll likely land a nice deal elsewhere. The other big question mark is Smith, a fine fullback and special teams standout who will be 31 when the season begins. With the Falcons signing Clint Ratkovich to a reserve/future deal, they may be tempted to move on and try a younger player, but Smith won’t be overly expensive to re-sign and is a proven, well-rounded player. We’ll see. If the team re-signs nobody from this list, they’d need to get a new starting left guard (unless they believe in an in-house option), a new starting right tackle, a new fullback, plus wide receiver, tight end, and offensive line depth. Defense Unrestricted free agents DL Matt Dickerson, 27: 12 tackles, 1 quarterback hit DT Vincent Taylor, 29 DT Jaleel Johnson, 28: 10 tackles, 1 quarterback hit ILB Rashaan Evans, 27: 17 starts, 159 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble ILB Nick Kwiatkoski, 30: 7 tackles OLB Lorenzo Carter, 27: 17 starts, 58 tackles, 4 sacks, 1 interception, 1 defensive TD, 1 special teams TD CB Isaiah Oliver, 26: 5 starts, 37 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception, 2 quarterback hits CB Mike Ford, 27: 2 starts, 15 tackles, 1 quarterback hit CB Rashad Fenton, 26: 4 tackles S Erik Harris, 33: 1 start, 13 tackles Restricted free agents DL Abdullah Anderson, 27: 8 starts, 40 tackles, 1 quarterback hit Again, not a long list of players the Falcons must re-sign. Anderson is a no-brainer given that he’s an affordable re-signing as a restricted free agent and held his own when pressed into action as a starter. With Grady Jarrett, Ta’Quon Graham, and Timothy Horne under contract, I’d imagine you’d only see one of the other reserve options brought back with the Falcons swinging for more talent along the defensive front. At linebacker, with Dean Pees leaving it’s not a lock that Evans will be back, though he was solid enough to think bringing him back to compete for a starting role would be wise. Ditto Lorenzo Carter, who was a quality addition to the defense and a durable one who could help out in a slightly reduced role for an outside linebacker group that needs quality more than quantity. Finally, Oliver should be a priority, but again with Pees leaving it’s not 100% clear whether he will be. When given the chance to play extensive snaps, he’s played very well the last couple of years, and he’s still young enough to have several good years ahead of him. The Falcons may also consider bringing back Ford and Harris for their respective special teams values, though neither will likely sniff the field on defense after upgrades. Special teams Unrestricted free agents P Bradley Pinion, 29: 62 punts, 45.9 yards per punt, 37.1% inside the 20; 80 kickoffs, 64.3 yards per kickoff, 73.8% touchback rate LS Beau Brinkley, 33 Exclusive rights free agent LS Liam McCullough, 26 There’s a no-brainer signing here and a likely one. Beau Brinkley won’t be returning after hitting injured reserve, but as an affordable exclusive rights free agent, Liam McCullough certainly will. He was a rock solid long snapper last year, and if he continues his fine work in 2023, he could be in Atlanta for a decade given his age. He’ll be back. Pinion will also likely be back. He wasn’t a superlative punter, but he was a good one on balance and handled kickoffs exclusively for Atlanta. The combination of that quality work and his relative affordability makes Pinion a strong candidate to return for the Falcons, who haven’t had any continuity since cutting ties with Matt Bosher. Who would you re-sign from this list of free agents? https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2023/1/11/23548190/who-is-set-to-be-a-2023-free-agent-for-the-falcons-rashaan-evans-olamide-zaccheaus-isaiah-oliver Lethal and PokerSteve 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onheresince04justneverpost Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 1. Lorenzo carter 2. Isiah oliver 3. Mcgary Freddies 3rd Cuz, NanoLedgerS, PokerSteve and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Killing Floor Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 McGary, Firsker, OZ, Zo, Anderson, Pinion, McCollough. Time to cut bait. The ballast we jettison today sets up wins tomorrow. Herr Doktor and PokerSteve 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norwood all the way! Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 I didn't realize Mcgary is already 28. This is prob his best chance to get that fat contract. He and his agent knows it. Hmmm PokerSteve 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onheresince04justneverpost Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 14 minutes ago, Norwood all the way! said: I didn't realize Mcgary is already 28. This is prob his best chance to get that fat contract. He and his agent knows it. Hmmm Not so worried about his age but the team situation with having to fill another hole. We need as many picks to be on the defensive side we already have somewhat of a hole at LG another hole at RT is not what i want. Keep the continuity going! celtiksage and Stevo 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lornoth Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 2 hours ago, theProf said: Offense Unrestricted free agents WR Olamide Zaccheaus, 25: 40 receptions, 533 yards, 13.3 yards per reception, 3 touchdowns WR Damiere Byrd, 30: 13 receptions, 268 yards, 20.6 yards per reception, 2 touchdowns TE MyCole Pruitt, 31: 16 receptions, 150 yards, 9.4 yards per reception, 4 touchdowns RT Kaleb McGary, 28: 17 starts, 86.6 Pro Football Focus grade, 5 penalties, 6 sacks allowed Defense Unrestricted free agents ILB Rashaan Evans, 27: 17 starts, 159 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble OLB Lorenzo Carter, 27: 17 starts, 58 tackles, 4 sacks, 1 interception, 1 defensive TD, 1 special teams TD CB Isaiah Oliver, 26: 5 starts, 37 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception, 2 quarterback hits Restricted free agents DL Abdullah Anderson, 27: 8 starts, 40 tackles, 1 quarterback hit Special teams Unrestricted free agents P Bradley Pinion, 29: 62 punts, 45.9 yards per punt, 37.1% inside the 20; 80 kickoffs, 64.3 yards per kickoff, 73.8% touchback rate Exclusive rights free agent LS Liam McCullough, 26 Depending on the cost of guys, these are the dudes I think would help our team going forward. celtiksage 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryanadonis Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 Wilkinson to right tackle. Edoga for left guard. Bring back Keith Smith, pinion, Evans, Carter and Pruitt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PokerSteve Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 This is one of those deals where you have to decide if you're going to keep players you personally like, or are you going with players you think/know Arthur Smith likes, or do you go with players you and Arthur may be meh about, but Font likes them for the value/price ratio the player offers? I'm gonna just try to blend the three into my own unique fail mix. lol. Offense: WR Olamide Zaccheaus WR Damiere Byrd, 30: 13 receptions, 268 yards, 20.6 yards per reception, 2 touchdowns (Coin-flip between Byrd and Hodge. Both had 13 receptions, Byrd had one more TD and a little more yards.) TE MyCole Pruitt, 31: 16 receptions, 150 yards, 9.4 yards per reception, 4 TD's RT Kaleb McGary, 28: 17 starts, 86.6 PFF grade, 5 penalties, 6 sacks allowed LG Elijah Wilkinson, 28: 9 starts, 64.3 PFF grade, 5 penalties, 2 sacks allowed T/G Chuma Edoga, 26: 1 start, 77.8 PFF grade, 1 penalty Defense: DT Jaleel Johnson, 28: 10 tackles, 1 quarterback hit ILB Rashaan Evans, 27: 17 starts, 159 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble OLB Lorenzo Carter, 27: 17 starts, 58 tackles, 4 sacks, 1 interception, 1 defensive TD, 1 special teams TD CB Isaiah Oliver, 26: 5 starts, 37 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception, 2 quarterback hits CB Rashad Fenton, 26: 4 tackles S Erik Harris, 33: 1 start, 13 tackles Restricted free agents DL Abdullah Anderson, 27: 8 starts, 40 tackles, 1 quarterback hit blizzard_falcon, ATLskinjob, etherdome and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norwood all the way! Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 14 minutes ago, onheresince04justneverpost said: Not so worried about his age but the team situation with having to fill another hole. We need as many picks to be on the defensive side we already have somewhat of a hole at LG another hole at RT is not what i want. Keep the continuity going! Agreed. I'm not against re signing Mcgary, just that I didn't realize his age and how I'm sure he wants top dollar. I hope he doesn't price himself out of Fonty's price range. Like you, I would rather not create another hole in the roster when we have a giant one on D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
falconidae Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 OZ, Pruitt, McGary Carter, Evans, A. Anderson, Oliver Pinion, McCollugh Rest can go or stay depending on who gets signed in FA/drafted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
autigerfan Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 2 hours ago, theProf said: Who is set to be a 2023 free agent for the Falcons? Atlanta will have some decisions ahead about who to bring back after a raft of one-year signings in 2022. By Dave Choate Jan 11, 2023 Free agency is a couple of months away, but it’s never too early to start thinking about who the Falcons may re-sign from their own list of impending free agents. In 2023, that list includes many players who had prominent roles in 2022, but are no locks to return given Atlanta’s plans to overhaul the roster with their wealth of cap space. Here’s a quick and dirty guide to who is coming up for free agency and who we think the Falcons might prioritize signing, based on how they fared in 2022. The upshot is that this team is likely to let many of its free agents go, but they do have a small list of players who could be valuable next year, albeit possibly in reduced roles. Please note that all ages listed are for the start of the 2023 season. Offense Unrestricted free agents FB Keith Smith, 31: 1 carry, 2 yards; 1 reception, 8 yards - Replacement already on roster (Heese) WR Olamide Zaccheaus, 25: 40 receptions, 533 yards, 13.3 yards per reception, 3 touchdowns - It really depends on who we get in FA. I think we should aim higher. WR Damiere Byrd, 30: 13 receptions, 268 yards, 20.6 yards per reception, 2 touchdowns - See OZ. The dude was our deep threat however. WR KhaDarel Hodge, 28: 13 receptions, 202 yards, 15.5 yards per reception, 1 touchdown - JAG TE MyCole Pruitt, 31: 16 receptions, 150 yards, 9.4 yards per reception, 4 touchdowns - I'd try to re-sign as #2 TE. TE Anthony Firkser, 28: 9 receptions, 100 yards, 11.1 yards per reception - Pass RT Kaleb McGary, 28: 17 starts, 86.6 Pro Football Focus grade, 5 penalties, 6 sacks allowed - As long as the numbers don't get rediculous, I'm in favor of keeping him. LG Elijah Wilkinson, 28: 9 starts, 64.3 Pro Football Focus grade, 5 penalties, 2 sacks allowed - He'd be depth if it were up to me and I think we can find less expensive options. T/G Chuma Edoga, 26: 1 start, 77.8 PFF grade, 1 penalty - Good to bring back as a swing player for depth. T Germain Ifedi, 28 - It speaks that a player with his experience couldn't see the field. Let him walk. G Colby Gossett, 27: 4 starts, 55.3 Pro Football Focus grade, 3 penalties - Meh, let another project take his spot. After a superlative 2022, McGary seems like a good bet to be re-signed. I waffled on that all season, but a strong finish and his work as a run blocker has me convinced the Falcons will use their influx of cap space to bring him back and solidify the line. Beyond that, there are no must re-signings here, though I expect the team to push to bring back Edoga (because of his versatility and strong work in a limited sample size), Zaccheaus, Pruitt, and perhaps Hodge. The team clearly likes Gossett as a reserve and Wilkinson did fine work at left guard in his nine starts, but his injuries and the team’s wealth of options at guard makes me think he’ll likely land a nice deal elsewhere. The other big question mark is Smith, a fine fullback and special teams standout who will be 31 when the season begins. With the Falcons signing Clint Ratkovich to a reserve/future deal, they may be tempted to move on and try a younger player, but Smith won’t be overly expensive to re-sign and is a proven, well-rounded player. We’ll see. If the team re-signs nobody from this list, they’d need to get a new starting left guard (unless they believe in an in-house option), a new starting right tackle, a new fullback, plus wide receiver, tight end, and offensive line depth. Defense Unrestricted free agents DL Matt Dickerson, 27: 12 tackles, 1 quarterback hit - Meh, (see Gossett) DT Vincent Taylor, 29 - Getting up there and coming off injury, let him walk. DT Jaleel Johnson, 28: 10 tackles, 1 quarterback hit - Nothing spectacular from him, let him walk. ILB Rashaan Evans, 27: 17 starts, 159 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble - He might worth bringing back for continuity alone, but not a must. ILB Nick Kwiatkoski, 30: 7 tackles - I'd be inclined to keep him as a veteran presence for our young linebackers. Could be a starter in a pinch. OLB Lorenzo Carter, 27: 17 starts, 58 tackles, 4 sacks, 1 interception, 1 defensive TD, 1 special teams TD - Good depth, but hopefully we can find an upgrade as starter. CB Isaiah Oliver, 26: 5 starts, 37 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception, 2 quarterback hits - I think he's a critical piece to keep. Could be a late bloomer to emerge into a C.J. Gardner-Johnson type role. CB Mike Ford, 27: 2 starts, 15 tackles, 1 quarterback hit - JAG CB Rashad Fenton, 26: 4 tackles - Has starting experience but it speaks that Armstrong was our #2 CB down the stretch. S Erik Harris, 33: 1 start, 13 tackles - JAG Restricted free agents DL Abdullah Anderson, 27: 8 starts, 40 tackles, 1 quarterback hit - Keep for depth but hopefully in a reduced role in 2023. Again, not a long list of players the Falcons must re-sign. Anderson is a no-brainer given that he’s an affordable re-signing as a restricted free agent and held his own when pressed into action as a starter. With Grady Jarrett, Ta’Quon Graham, and Timothy Horne under contract, I’d imagine you’d only see one of the other reserve options brought back with the Falcons swinging for more talent along the defensive front. At linebacker, with Dean Pees leaving it’s not a lock that Evans will be back, though he was solid enough to think bringing him back to compete for a starting role would be wise. Ditto Lorenzo Carter, who was a quality addition to the defense and a durable one who could help out in a slightly reduced role for an outside linebacker group that needs quality more than quantity. Finally, Oliver should be a priority, but again with Pees leaving it’s not 100% clear whether he will be. When given the chance to play extensive snaps, he’s played very well the last couple of years, and he’s still young enough to have several good years ahead of him. The Falcons may also consider bringing back Ford and Harris for their respective special teams values, though neither will likely sniff the field on defense after upgrades. Special teams Unrestricted free agents P Bradley Pinion, 29: 62 punts, 45.9 yards per punt, 37.1% inside the 20; 80 kickoffs, 64.3 yards per kickoff, 73.8% touchback rate - punters are a dime a dozen. LS Beau Brinkley, 33 Exclusive rights free agent LS Liam McCullough, 26 - Keep the kid There’s a no-brainer signing here and a likely one. Beau Brinkley won’t be returning after hitting injured reserve, but as an affordable exclusive rights free agent, Liam McCullough certainly will. He was a rock solid long snapper last year, and if he continues his fine work in 2023, he could be in Atlanta for a decade given his age. He’ll be back. Pinion will also likely be back. He wasn’t a superlative punter, but he was a good one on balance and handled kickoffs exclusively for Atlanta. The combination of that quality work and his relative affordability makes Pinion a strong candidate to return for the Falcons, who haven’t had any continuity since cutting ties with Matt Bosher. Who would you re-sign from this list of free agents? https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2023/1/11/23548190/who-is-set-to-be-a-2023-free-agent-for-the-falcons-rashaan-evans-olamide-zaccheaus-isaiah-oliver theProf 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abeasley27 Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 The only guys I see as necessities is McGary, Wilkinson, Pruitt, Evans, Carter and Oliver. And that’s not to say that they can’t be upgraded, I just see those as the guys who are starters-very good backups. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CADirtyBird Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 Offense Zaccheaus Pruitt McGary Smith Wilkinson Defense Oliver Carter Evans Anderson Special Teams Pinion Herr Doktor 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Banana Bandit Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 (edited) I don't want Oz back unless he's cheap cheap cheap. He struggles mightily against man. I really liked him and had high hopes for him when the season started, but seeing him struggle to create any separation in man during Desmond Ridder's games was crazy. Edited January 12 by Banana Bandit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caddieman Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 13 minutes ago, CADirtyBird said: Offense Zaccheaus Pruitt McGary Smith Wilkinson Defense Oliver Carter Evans Anderson Special Teams Pinion I agree 100% on this except one caveat. I wouldn’t pay McGary over 10 million a year. Not paying a RT over 10 million that’s a liability in Pass Pro. The only reason I’d give him 10 million is because he is nasty in the run game. If some other team wants to over pay then see Ya! Let him walk. All the others we can get on the cheep! CADirtyBird 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herr Doktor Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 Wilk is solid depth. Need a starter. OZ has been a bright spot, solid WR3. Zo, I think with some more help his production goes up. Oliver, has been decent in this scheme. Pruitt is a solid blocking TE and a wrinkle Anderson Evans. BCFalcFan, dyrtysouth2000 and Drunken Minotaur Zebra 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
falconzfan4ever Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 50 minutes ago, Caddieman said: I agree 100% on this except one caveat. I wouldn’t pay McGary over 10 million a year. Not paying a RT over 10 million that’s a liability in Pass Pro. The only reason I’d give him 10 million is because he is nasty in the run game. If some other team wants to over pay then see Ya! Let him walk. All the others we can get on the cheep! Our offensive identity is built on the run, and McGary is an elite run blocker. Our right side completely dominates and I wouldn't mess with that. He's average in the pass game, not a liability. FA91 and Stevo 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djbrough Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 Oliver, McGary, Carter, Ifedi, Pruitt, Wilkinson, Evans, Taylor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbhawksfan Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 4 hours ago, theProf said: Who is set to be a 2023 free agent for the Falcons? Atlanta will have some decisions ahead about who to bring back after a raft of one-year signings in 2022. By Dave Choate Jan 11, 2023 Free agency is a couple of months away, but it’s never too early to start thinking about who the Falcons may re-sign from their own list of impending free agents. In 2023, that list includes many players who had prominent roles in 2022, but are no locks to return given Atlanta’s plans to overhaul the roster with their wealth of cap space. Here’s a quick and dirty guide to who is coming up for free agency and who we think the Falcons might prioritize signing, based on how they fared in 2022. The upshot is that this team is likely to let many of its free agents go, but they do have a small list of players who could be valuable next year, albeit possibly in reduced roles. Please note that all ages listed are for the start of the 2023 season. Offense Unrestricted free agents FB Keith Smith, 31: 1 carry, 2 yards; 1 reception, 8 yards WR Olamide Zaccheaus, 25: 40 receptions, 533 yards, 13.3 yards per reception, 3 touchdowns WR Damiere Byrd, 30: 13 receptions, 268 yards, 20.6 yards per reception, 2 touchdowns WR KhaDarel Hodge, 28: 13 receptions, 202 yards, 15.5 yards per reception, 1 touchdown TE MyCole Pruitt, 31: 16 receptions, 150 yards, 9.4 yards per reception, 4 touchdowns TE Anthony Firkser, 28: 9 receptions, 100 yards, 11.1 yards per reception RT Kaleb McGary, 28: 17 starts, 86.6 Pro Football Focus grade, 5 penalties, 6 sacks allowed LG Elijah Wilkinson, 28: 9 starts, 64.3 Pro Football Focus grade, 5 penalties, 2 sacks allowed T/G Chuma Edoga, 26: 1 start, 77.8 PFF grade, 1 penalty T Germain Ifedi, 28 G Colby Gossett, 27: 4 starts, 55.3 Pro Football Focus grade, 3 penalties After a superlative 2022, McGary seems like a good bet to be re-signed. I waffled on that all season, but a strong finish and his work as a run blocker has me convinced the Falcons will use their influx of cap space to bring him back and solidify the line. Beyond that, there are no must re-signings here, though I expect the team to push to bring back Edoga (because of his versatility and strong work in a limited sample size), Zaccheaus, Pruitt, and perhaps Hodge. The team clearly likes Gossett as a reserve and Wilkinson did fine work at left guard in his nine starts, but his injuries and the team’s wealth of options at guard makes me think he’ll likely land a nice deal elsewhere. The other big question mark is Smith, a fine fullback and special teams standout who will be 31 when the season begins. With the Falcons signing Clint Ratkovich to a reserve/future deal, they may be tempted to move on and try a younger player, but Smith won’t be overly expensive to re-sign and is a proven, well-rounded player. We’ll see. If the team re-signs nobody from this list, they’d need to get a new starting left guard (unless they believe in an in-house option), a new starting right tackle, a new fullback, plus wide receiver, tight end, and offensive line depth. Defense Unrestricted free agents DL Matt Dickerson, 27: 12 tackles, 1 quarterback hit DT Vincent Taylor, 29 DT Jaleel Johnson, 28: 10 tackles, 1 quarterback hit ILB Rashaan Evans, 27: 17 starts, 159 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble ILB Nick Kwiatkoski, 30: 7 tackles OLB Lorenzo Carter, 27: 17 starts, 58 tackles, 4 sacks, 1 interception, 1 defensive TD, 1 special teams TD CB Isaiah Oliver, 26: 5 starts, 37 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception, 2 quarterback hits CB Mike Ford, 27: 2 starts, 15 tackles, 1 quarterback hit CB Rashad Fenton, 26: 4 tackles S Erik Harris, 33: 1 start, 13 tackles Restricted free agents DL Abdullah Anderson, 27: 8 starts, 40 tackles, 1 quarterback hit Again, not a long list of players the Falcons must re-sign. Anderson is a no-brainer given that he’s an affordable re-signing as a restricted free agent and held his own when pressed into action as a starter. With Grady Jarrett, Ta’Quon Graham, and Timothy Horne under contract, I’d imagine you’d only see one of the other reserve options brought back with the Falcons swinging for more talent along the defensive front. At linebacker, with Dean Pees leaving it’s not a lock that Evans will be back, though he was solid enough to think bringing him back to compete for a starting role would be wise. Ditto Lorenzo Carter, who was a quality addition to the defense and a durable one who could help out in a slightly reduced role for an outside linebacker group that needs quality more than quantity. Finally, Oliver should be a priority, but again with Pees leaving it’s not 100% clear whether he will be. When given the chance to play extensive snaps, he’s played very well the last couple of years, and he’s still young enough to have several good years ahead of him. The Falcons may also consider bringing back Ford and Harris for their respective special teams values, though neither will likely sniff the field on defense after upgrades. Special teams Unrestricted free agents P Bradley Pinion, 29: 62 punts, 45.9 yards per punt, 37.1% inside the 20; 80 kickoffs, 64.3 yards per kickoff, 73.8% touchback rate LS Beau Brinkley, 33 Exclusive rights free agent LS Liam McCullough, 26 There’s a no-brainer signing here and a likely one. Beau Brinkley won’t be returning after hitting injured reserve, but as an affordable exclusive rights free agent, Liam McCullough certainly will. He was a rock solid long snapper last year, and if he continues his fine work in 2023, he could be in Atlanta for a decade given his age. He’ll be back. Pinion will also likely be back. He wasn’t a superlative punter, but he was a good one on balance and handled kickoffs exclusively for Atlanta. The combination of that quality work and his relative affordability makes Pinion a strong candidate to return for the Falcons, who haven’t had any continuity since cutting ties with Matt Bosher. Who would you re-sign from this list of free agents? https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2023/1/11/23548190/who-is-set-to-be-a-2023-free-agent-for-the-falcons-rashaan-evans-olamide-zaccheaus-isaiah-oliver I agree with everything, but you don't want Pinion and McCoullogh? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lethal Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 Offense: Oz Pruitt McGary Edoga Defense: Carter Oliver Ford Anderson ST: Sure lol Herr Doktor 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caddieman Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 1 hour ago, falconzfan4ever said: Our offensive identity is built on the run, and McGary is an elite run blocker. Our right side completely dominates and I wouldn't mess with that. He's average in the pass game, not a liability. I guess that’s where we disagree. 6 sacks in a year with mobile QBs and a run heavy Offense, that spells liability to me. In that last game did you see a 340lb DL smoke him on the outside? That spells liability to me. You. Going to pay him 15, 16, 17 million a year and hold your breath on pass plays. God I hope TF don’t! Falcons_Frenzy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bunchy Carter Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 Offense Unrestricted free agents FB Keith Smith, 31: POSSIBLY re-sign WR Olamide Zaccheaus, re-sign TE MyCole Pruitt, 31: re-sign RT Kaleb McGary, 28: re-sign LG Elijah Wilkinson, re-sign DT Jaleel Johnson, 28: re-sign ILB Rashaan Evans, 27: re-sign OLB Lorenzo Carter, 27: re-sign CB Isaiah Oliver, 26: re-sign CB Mike Ford, 27: DEFINITELY re-sign DL Abdullah Anderson, 27: re-sign Herr Doktor 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theProf Posted January 12 Author Share Posted January 12 7 hours ago, theProf said: Thanks to all who have responded in this thread with your choices. My own 2 cents for what its worth in red: Offense Unrestricted free agents FB Keith Smith, 31: 1 carry, 2 yards; 1 reception, 8 yards. No, replace with someone younger. PFF grade only 53.8 for the year. WR Olamide Zaccheaus, 25: 40 receptions, 533 yards, 13.3 yards per reception, 3 touchdowns. Yes, but Falcons do need a true #2 WR in addition to Zaccheaus, who is possibly an adequate #3 or #4 WR. WR Damiere Byrd, 30: 13 receptions, 268 yards, 20.6 yards per reception, 2 touchdowns. No, looked good on a few plays, but getting older with no ST value. WR KhaDarel Hodge, 28: 13 receptions, 202 yards, 15.5 yards per reception, 1 touchdown. Yes, very good on special teams and a viable #4 or #5 WR TE MyCole Pruitt, 31: 16 receptions, 150 yards, 9.4 yards per reception, 4 touchdowns Yes, impressive in 2022, PFF grade = 75.9. Good in the Red Zone, not with just Atlanta but also with Tennessee, his previous team. TE Anthony Firkser, 28: 9 receptions, 100 yards, 11.1 yards per reception No, not that productive, PFF grade = 59.1. RT Kaleb McGary, 28: 17 starts, 86.6 Pro Football Focus grade, 5 penalties, 6 sacks allowed ???? McGary will cost significantly more than any other Falcon re-signing. Very good in run-blocking, but still deficient in pass-protection after 4 years in the pros. I just don't think that McGary will justify the cost of a new contract. LG Elijah Wilkinson, 28: 9 starts, 64.3 Pro Football Focus grade, 5 penalties, 2 sacks allowed. Yes, adequate starter or good backup. Only 2 sacks allowed. Wasn't great, but wasn't bad. T/G Chuma Edoga, 26: 1 start, 77.8 PFF grade, 1 penalty. Yes, capable backup for G or T. T Germain Ifedi, 28 No G Colby Gossett, 27: 4 starts, 55.3 Pro Football Focus grade, 3 penalties No, can do better at depth than Gossett. Defense Unrestricted free agents DL Matt Dickerson, 27: 12 tackles, 1 quarterback hit No,did not show very much, PFF grade = 43.6 DT Vincent Taylor, 29 No, getting older and on IR all year. DT Jaleel Johnson, 28: 10 tackles, 1 quarterback hit. No,did not show very much, PFF grade = 43.6 ILB Rashaan Evans, 27: 17 starts, 159 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble Yes, productive and made a lot of tackles. ILB Nick Kwiatkoski, 30: 7 tackles. No OLB Lorenzo Carter, 27: 17 starts, 58 tackles, 4 sacks, 1 interception, 1 defensive TD, 1 special teams TD. Yes, Falcons need a #1 Edge, but Carter is a solid rotational piece. CB Isaiah Oliver, 26: 5 starts, 37 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception, 2 quarterback hits Yes, productive and effective, PFF grade = 77.9, one of the highest for the Falcons defensive players. Also appears to be able to play Safety. I think Atlanta would be better by moving Grant to SS, and possibly using Oliver more at FS and reduce Hawkins' snaps. CB Mike Ford, 27: 2 starts, 15 tackles, 1 quarterback hit Yes, very good special teams player and can play NB in a pinch. CB Rashad Fenton, 26: 4 tackles. No. I had hopes for him, but if he were good, I think he would have gotten more playing time at outside CB. Inactive most games that he was a Falcon. S Erik Harris, 33: 1 start, 13 tackles. Yes, veteran depth. Could be released, if Atlanta drafts another Safety. Restricted free agents DL Abdullah Anderson, 27: 8 starts, 40 tackles, 1 quarterback hit. Yes, showed some disruption ability, PFF grade = 62.8. Special teams Unrestricted free agents P Bradley Pinion, 29: 62 punts, 45.9 yards per punt, 37.1% inside the 20; 80 kickoffs, 64.3 yards per kickoff, 73.8% touchback rate Yes, did a good job with punting average and with punts inside the 20. No bad punts that I recall. LS Beau Brinkley, 33. No, too old and injured. Exclusive rights free agent LS Liam McCullough, 26 Yes indeed. gHost83 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1989Fan Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 In order: 1. McGary 2. Oliver 3. Evans 4. OZ 5. Carter 6. Pruitt 7. Edoga 8. Anderson 9. V Taylor 10. Ford theProf and Vandy 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blizzard_falcon Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 1 hour ago, theProf said: I have the exact same list as you, except McGary is more of a strong yes for me. But I wouldn't give him more than a 4-year deal. I'm not in love with his pass blocking for obvious reasons, but the main reasons I would re-sign him are that I don't think there are any better options available in free agency and I don't want us to have to invest early draft capital at RT this year. Wouldn't be surprised if the team re-signs most of the guys we mentioned. Maybe not some of the more special teams-oriented players like Hodge, Ford, or Harris if they think they can replace them with later round draft picks / UDFAs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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