Season Summary:
Another disappointing season under Mike Smith resulted in his ousting. The Falcons have some intriguing pieces, but need to improve at some key spots. Settling on a defensive scheme (one that isn't a 4-2-5) will be key. Hiring a defense-focused coach (Rex Ryan?) would be a smart first step.
Updated Jan. 9
Projected Cap Space (via Spotrac):
$23,831,008
Team Needs:
1. Tight end: The Falcons tried to replace Tony Gonzales with Levine Toiolo. That did not work, as Toiolo got one of the five worst TE grades from Pro Football Focus. Bear Pascoe, the backup, is also a free agent.
2. Linebacker: Paul Worrilow was not good at middle linebacker. He shouldn’t be starting. Sean Witherspoon didn't play last season, but the team needs to resign him.
3. Defensive end: Kroy Biermann and Osi Umenyiora are both free agents. Biermann struggled and Umenyiora was underwhelming. While both weren’t properly utilized, the Falcons need to resign or replace them.
4. Cornerback: Desmond Trufant is a stud, but the Falcons need to give him some help at corner.
5. Safety: Starter Dwight Lowery is a free agent.
6. Kicker: Matt Bryant is a free agent.
7. Running back: Antone Smith and Jacquizz Rodgers are free agents. The Falcons need to resign one or both of those, or find a new change of pace back.
8. Defensive tackle: Corey Peters, who Pro Football Focus graded well against the run, is a free agent. However, the Falcons might have enough depth to let him go.
9. Center: James Stone struggled, but the Falcons likely hope Peter Konz can return from injury and be the center.
Free Agents:
QB T.J. Yates
RB Jacquizz Rodgers
RB Antone Smith
FB Patrick DiMarco (ERFA)
WR Drew Davis (RFA)
WR Eric Weems
TE Bear Pascoe
OT Jonathan Scott
DT Corey Peters
DE Kory Biermann
DE Cliff Matthews
DE Osi Umenyiora
OLB Sean Witherspoon
MLB Nathan Stupar (ERFA)
CB Javier Arenas
CB Robert McClain
CB Josh Wilson
S Charles Godfrey
S Dwight Lowery
K Matt Bryant
Draft Picks:
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Round 4
Round 5
Round 6
Round 7
Round 7 (From Rams via Patriots)
Transactions:
— Fired HC Mike Smith (12-29)