Atlanta Falcons’ 2023 season: 7-10, missed playoffs
Overview: The 2023 Falcons offseason was most notable for their refusal to entertain courting Lamar Jackson, who was in a contract standoff with the Baltimore Ravens. Oops.
Will the 2024 offseason be most notable for the Falcons passing on hiring legend Bill Belichick in favor of Raheem Morris as head coach?
The Falcons were eliminated from playoff contention on the last day of the regular season as they were unable to capture the extremely winnable NFC South. That cost head coach Arthur Smith his job, as management believed the team was equipped to be in the postseason, particularly offensively with young stars in the making in Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts.
Enter Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot, whose top task will be finding the right quarterback if indeed Desmond Ridder isn’t the answer. Yep, it’s the NFL, so it’s all about the QB.
(Taylor Wilhelm/Yahoo Sports)
Key free agents
DE Calais Campbell
RB Cordarrelle Patterson
EDGE Bud Dupree
CB Jeff Okudah
WR Van Jefferson
Who’s in/out: GM Terry Fontenot told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he wants Campbell, 37, to return but a new coaching regime might have the defensive standout looking elsewhere to finish his career. There might not be enough carries for Patterson (50 rushing attempts this season) with Robinson and Tyler Allgeier anchoring the backfield. Okudah is likely another exit candidate after not living up to his high draft pick potential after getting dealt out of Detroit. Dupree said he’d consider returning after his one-year deal, The Athletic reported. The same can be said of Jefferson, who could reunite with OC Zac Robinson, his former coach with the Los Angeles Rams.
Desmond Ridder doesn’t figure to be the answer at quarterback in Atlanta. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Key free agent needs
Quarterback
Edge rusher
Secondary
Why the holes? The Falcons took a shot at Ridder becoming a third-round steal at QB. “Meh” might best…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/atlanta-falcons-2024-nfl-offseason-primer-all-eyes-turn-to-qb-as-desmond-ridder-doesnt-seem-to-be-the-answer-014406487.html
Author : Yahoo Sports
Publish date : 2024-02-23 01:44:06
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