NFL insider connections Haason Reddick to Atlanta Falcons deal
The Falcons used the first round of free agency to fill their largest roster gap.
Everyone agreed that Atlanta needed to address the quarterback situation. Raheem Morris even said that he wouldn’t be the head coach right now if the squad had performed better at the position the previous season.
Terry Fontenot considered moving up in the draft, but the general manager of the Falcons focused on their top target, Kirk Cousins, as it became evident that none of the top teams were going to be selecting after their initial picks.
Fontenot went above and above what the Vikings were ready to give in terms of years, average annual value, and guarantees at Arthur Blank’s request. At the same time as the Falcons got their man, Atlanta’s window opened.
With Kirk Cousins, winning the division is no longer sufficient. The Falcons need to close the remaining roster gaps if they hope to have any chance of postseason success.
Lorenzo Carter, DeAngelo Malone, and Arnold Ebiketie make up the current EDGE unit; the offense could certainly use another wide receiver of starting caliber. However, my focus is on the defense. For a squad that intends to compete seriously, that is insufficient.
The Falcons may focus on the trade market now that all of the major free agents are off the market, and it appears they have. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN suggested that the team might acquire Haason Reddick in a trade.
Over the past two seasons, Reddick has made two Pro Bowls, been named to the All-Pro team, and hasn’t had fewer than 11 sacks since 2019. The Falcons should have no trouble giving him an extension and forgoing the draft compensation if that kind of output is on hand.
The former first-round selection will turn 30 the following season, but he doesn’t appear to be slowing down. After acquiring him, it appeared that the Falcons would extend his contract going into the last year of it.
The Falcons must start shifting the emphasis to the middle now that Kirk Cousins is part of the team. This starts with improving their pass rush, which is currently at best subpar. Although Reddick’s new contract won’t be cheap, Fontenot did a great job ensuring that Atlanta’s wage cap can survive contracts of this nature.
The Falcons could need to rework a few contracts, but it’s very doable and would be the kind of action that demonstrates to the supporters and other clubs that they’re serious about winning.
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