With the news the Atlanta Falcons have agreed to terms on a four-year contract with coveted free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins, it's time to find fits for the rest of the team's needs.
First, though, the signing Monday shows owner Arthur Blank is going all in, a great sign for long-suffering fans. The contract is massive, averaging over $40 million a year, but that figure is average for a top-10 QB. It's also not as long-term as first reported as the Falcons could get out after two years and not eat a lot of money.
However, Cousins is about to turn 36 and he's coming off Achilles surgery. The Falcons had to be pleased with his rehab and his attention to staying in great physical condition. He's also a leader, something the Falcons have sorely missed since Matt Ryan was dealt away.
To make the 2024 team a contender, though, much still needs to be accomplished. Longtime Falcons fan Lindsey Young offers up a few ideas.
1. Add to the offensive weapons
The Falcons are loaded in the backfield with Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, have a terrific young wideout in Drake London and one of the league's most athletic tight ends in Kyle Pitts. What they don't have is anyone to stretch a defense. London needs at least one running mate on the outside and maybe it's time for a reunion with Calvin Ridley.
Ok, he didn't exit under the best of circumstances, but he's the top free agent receiver out there and would immediately make the offense a nightmare for defenses. This will be a Rams-like offense, which was among the league's best with elite receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua.
On top of that, Atlanta is still receiving a third-round draft pick from the Jaguars.
The other top tier option would be a trade for Cincinnati star Tee Higgins, who has asked for a trade after being given the franchise tag. The Falcons have extra draft capital (see above), and could restructure Higgins' contract to make it more cap friendly.
Otherwise, this needs to happen in April's draft, but that's not a bad option since this is a loaded class.
Give me LSU's Malik Nabers or Washington's Rome Odunze at No. 8 in the first round, or trade back, get more picks and target UGA's (and North Murray's) Ladd McConkey, LSU's Brian Thomas, Texas' Adonai Mitchell or Florida State's Keon Coleman.
2. Pick up the pressure
Affecting opposing quarterbacks on a consistent basis has been an issue in Atlanta seemingly forever, and last year was no different. Folks can spout all they want about how the defense improved statistically, but when was the last time the Falcons defense actually got a stop when it absolutely had to have one?
Not last year, and a big reason was no pass rush. The team isn't good enough on the back end to risk blitzing very often, so improvement has to start up front.
With big money headed to Cousins, there's no money for elite edge rusher Danielle Hunter and most of the other free agents are either tagged or already signed. Would love a run at Miami's Andrew Van Ginkel, who is likely headed somewhere else since the Dolphins are capped financially.
The draft, though, is likely the place for pressure improvement. It makes perfect sense at No. 8 to draft Alabama's Dallas Turner, who was unblockable at times in the SEC. If the Falcons go receiver first round, the top draft options could be Penn State's Chop Robinson, Utah's Jonah Elliss and Washington's Bralen Trice.
3. Deep dive for depth
Let's assume receiver and edge rusher needs are filled, the Falcons still need some help in the secondary, at least one rotational cornerback and safety. The offensive line is good, but not deep enough to sustain an injury or two.
Left tackle Jake Matthews is on the backside of a solid career, and if the offense is going to be heavy on play-action passing, protecting Cousins' blindside is a must.
Happy free agency, folks. It's been one heckuva first day.
Contact Lindsey Young at lyoung@timesfreepress.com