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Atlanta Falcons

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Could operate as reserve in 2023 Mon, Jun 12, 2023, 12:29 PM Hawkins currently projects to be a reserve option in the Falcons' secondary in 2023, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Analysis: Hawkins seems destined to back up Richie Grant at strong safety in 2023 after Atlanta signed free safety Jessie Bates in March. Hawkins was a very productive starter in 2022, recording 84 tackles, six pass deflections, two interceptions and a forced fumble while scoring a defensive touchdown over 16 games.
Signing with Falcons Thu, May 12, 2022, 3:24 PM Kwiatkoski is signing a one-year contract with the Falcons, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. Analysis: Kwiatkoski appeared in eight games for the Raiders in 2021 while dealing with an ankle issue, and he totaled 21 tackles (13 solo) and a forced fumble. Following two seasons in Las Vegas, the 28-year-old will attempt to carve out a depth role in Atlanta.
Tyler Allgeier Tyler Allgeier Could contribute early on Wed, May 4, 2022, 4:23 PM ESPN's Michael Rothstein suggests that Allgeier will have a chance to make an impact as a rookie in the wake of the team having let go Mike Davis. Analysis: The Falcons' running back depth chart is currently topped by Cordarrelle Patterson, a converted wideout, but there's an opportunity for Allgeier to carve out a key complementary role out of the gate, with the fifth-rounder's ability to generate yards after contact having caught the eye of coach Arthur Smith. Damien Williams and Qadree Ollison are also in Atlanta's backfield mix, but Smith adds that "the opportunity is there (for Allgeier). The running back room is wide open." With that in mind, Rothstein hints that it's possible that the BYU product could make a run at the team's Week 1 starting nod, but such an outcome would presumably hinge on the 5-foot-11, 224 pound Allgeier impressing the coaching staff this summer and/or injuries coming into play.
Tyler Allgeier Tyler Allgeier Moves up depth chart sans Davis Tue, May 3, 2022, 3:23 PM Allgeier will compete with Damien Williams and Qadree Ollison for touches after the release of Mike Davis, Josh Kendall of the Athletic reports. Analysis: Allgeier was selected by the Falcons in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft in what was a surprising move given Atlanta also signed Williams and were returning a trio of running backs. However, the pick makes more sense after the dismissal of the veteran Davis. Cordarrelle Patterson likely will lead the backfield once again, but Williams, Allgeier and Ollison will likely all get opportunities throughout the season, especially if Atlanta opts for a run-heavy offense with Marcus Mariota at the helm.
Lands on IR Tue, May 3, 2022, 2:21 PM Brinkley (undisclosed) was placed on injured reserve Monday, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports. Analysis: Brinkley was expected to take over as Atlanta's long snapper in 2022 following the departure of Josh Harris to the Chargers. The 32-year-old has made 138 appearances over his first 10 NFL seasons, but the Falcons may opt to bring in a backup option if Brinkley's injury is considered serious.
Secures extension Tue, May 3, 2022, 9:12 AM Jarrett and the Falcons came to terms Tuesday on a three-year extension worth up to $51 million, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. The deal includes $34.5 million fully guaranteed, according to Rapoport. Analysis: The deal lowers Jarrett's cap figure for 2022 while simultaneously giving the star defensive lineman some added financial security. Though the one sack he recorded in 17 games in 2021 matched his lowest total since his rookie season in 2015, Jarrett remained effective as a run stopper with 59 tackles (38 solo).
Has fifth-year option declined Mon, May 2, 2022, 9:31 PM The Falcons didn't pick up the fifth-year option on McGary's rookie contract Monday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports. Analysis: McGary could be set to hit the open market in 2023 following this decision by Atlanta. He's expected to open the year as the team's starting right tackle.
Has option picked up Mon, May 2, 2022, 6:12 PM Lindstrom had his fifth-year option picked up by the Falcons on Monday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports. Analysis: Lindstrom has been a starter at guard for the Falcons in every game he's played since he was selected in the first round of the 2019 Draft. The 25-year-old didn't allow a sack last season and should continue to hold down the starting right guard position this year.
Damien Williams Damien Williams Will compete for touches Mon, May 2, 2022, 12:03 PM Williams will compete with Tyler Allgeier and Qadree Ollison for touches after the release of Mike Davis, Josh Kendall of The Athletic reports. Analysis: Williams agreed to a one-year deal with the Falcons this offseason after serving as a backup in Chicago last year. Cordarrelle Patterson likely will lead the backfield once again, but the release of Davis and the acquisitions of Allgeier and Williams change the rest of Atlanta's running back depth chart. With Marcus Mariota at the helm, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Falcons feature a heavy dose of the run, so all four backs may get opportunities throughout the season, though Patterson certainly boasts the highest fantasy upside going into training camp.
Olamide Zaccheaus Olamide Zaccheaus Falls to No. 2 on depth chart Mon, May 2, 2022, 11:46 AM Zaccheaus will fall to No. 2 on the depth chart after the Falcons drafted Drake London with the eighth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Josh Kendall of The Athletic reports. Analysis: Zaccheaus signed a $2.433 million RFA tender from the Falcons this offseason and was the de facto No. 1 wideout for awhile with Russell Gage leaving for Tampa Bay and Calvin Ridley suspended for the entire 2022 season. However, the landscape of Atlanta's wide receiver depth chart changed after its selection of London in the first round. Zaccheaus appeared in every game last season and finished with 31 catches on 53 targets for 406 yards and three touchdowns -- all career highs. Matt Ryan previously relied heavily on his runnings backs and tight ends, which impacted Zaccheaus' overall fantasy potential, and it's unlikely Marcus Mariota's passing attack changes things for the 5-foot-8 receiver, especially given London (ankle) and Kyle Pitts will garner the majority of targets for the foreseeable future.
Marcus Mariota Marcus Mariota Expected to open season as starter Mon, May 2, 2022, 11:30 AM Mariota is expected to be the Falcons' starting quarterback to start the 2022 regular season, Josh Kendall of The Athletic reports. Analysis: Mariota signed a two-year contract with the Falcons at the end of March and was the de facto starter with Matt Ryan off to Indianaplis for a third-round pick. However, Desmond Ridder fell to Atlanta in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, sparking speculation that perhaps the rookie could compete for the No. 1 spot, but after the draft coach Arthur Smith said, "With Marcus being the veteran, that's the way it'll go for now." Even with the loss of Calvin Ridley (suspension), Mariota likely will have strong expectations in his first season with Atlanta after they drafted pass catchers with top-10 overall picks in back-to-back years, but the Falcons offense now features a trio of dynamic playmakers in Drake London (ankle), Kyle Pitts and Cordarrelle Patterson.
Interesting fit in Atlanta Sat, Apr 30, 2022, 4:13 PM The Falcons selected FitzPatrick in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, 213th overall. Analysis: FitzPatrick (6-foot-7, 262 pounds) played 38 games (13 starts) for Georgia over three seasons but managed to record just 17 receptions for 200 yards and a touchdown. He's an interesting pick for Atlanta, especially if his blocking skills translate to the NFL level. The Falcons aren't very deep at wide receiver, so FitzPatrick may be called upon to handle the inline blocking while fellow tight end Kyle Pitts lines up outside more frequently.
Stays in Peach State Sat, Apr 30, 2022, 3:08 PM The Falcons selected Shaffer in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, 190th overall. Analysis: Shaffer is the first Georgia Bulldog to be selected by the Falcons in quite some time. He started every game for the national champions at left guard in 2021 and earned second-team All-SEC honors. Shaffer isn't overly athletic but has solid play strength and can hold his own on the interior.
Atlanta selects in fifth round Sat, Apr 30, 2022, 1:25 PM The Falcons selected Allgeier in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, 151st overall. Analysis: Allgeier (5-foot-10, 224 pounds) is an extremely Arthur Smith-style back out of BYU, where he routinely ripped off big plays over the last two years as a power runner. It's difficult to explain just how he did it given a relative lack of speed (4.64-second 40), but Allgeier was unstoppable as he ran for 2,731 yards and 42 touchdowns from 2020 to 2021, averaging 6.4 yards per carry. He can't imitate the functions of Cordarrelle Patterson, but Allgeier is absolutely a threat to Damien Williams and Mike Davis.
Headed to Peach State Fri, Apr 29, 2022, 9:29 PM The Falcons selected Malone in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, 82nd overall. Analysis: Malone is probably too small to play much defensive end at 6-foot-3, 243 pounds, but the Western Kentucky product was exceptionally productive as an edge defender in college and will get every chance to emerge as an eventual starting outside linebacker in Atlanta's 3-4.
Atlanta catches in third round Fri, Apr 29, 2022, 9:01 PM The Falcons selected Ridder in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, 74th overall. Analysis: Ridder fell much further than expected, and while there was a reason for that descent, this still looks like an excellent pick for the Falcons. Ridder lacks a strong arm and isn't the most natural passer, but his leadership character and work ethic are exceptional and he should present as a rushing threat in the NFL thanks to his 4.52 speed. Ridder (6-foot-3, 211 pounds) was a program-defining player at Cincinnati, where he was a highly successful four-year starter, and he'll likely get a shot to start in Atlanta even with Marcus Mariota the favorite for the top job in the short term.
Headed south to Atlanta Fri, Apr 29, 2022, 8:07 PM The Falcons selected Andersen in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, 58th overall. Analysis: Andersen is underdeveloped at linebacker after spending much of his Montana State career at quarterback and running back, but his athletic tools are truly rare and his developmental upside is unique. At 6-foot-4, 243 pounds, Andersen torched the combine with a 4.42-second 40-yard dash and 128-inch broad jump, making him one of the NFL's best athletes at any position. If his skill set can develop further, he'll eventually be a three-down defender for the Falcons.
Taken by Atlanta in second round Fri, Apr 29, 2022, 6:40 PM The Falcons selected Ebiketie in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, 38th overall. Analysis: Ebiketie (6-foot-2, 250 pounds) was a highly productive edge disruptor at Temple and Penn State, producing 9.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss in 12 games for the Nittany Lions last year after posting four sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss in six games for Temple the year prior. Ebiketie might not have the long speed of some of the edge rushers selected before him, but he has good reach (34 and 1/8-inch arms) and excellent burst (38-inch vertical jump, 128-inch broad jump). Ebiketie could establish himself as one of Atlanta's best defenders in short order.
First WR selected Thu, Apr 28, 2022, 8:13 PM The Falcons selected London (ankle) in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, eighth overall. Analysis: London is the first wide receiver off the board and pairs with tight end Kyle Pitts to give the Falcons two physically intimidating targets. London (6-foot-4, 219 pounds) was arguably a clearly better NFL prospect than former USC teammates Michael Pittman and Amon-Ra St. Brown, and both of them have already found success as starting NFL wide receivers. Marcus Mariota and any future starting Falcons quarterbacks will be grateful for this selection, particularly given how thin the Atlanta wide receiver rotation is in light of Calvin Ridley's suspension. While London is young for a pro prospect, not turning 21 until July, he found early success with ease at USC and projects as a high-volume target for Atlanta in the near future, potentially even as a rookie. His USC production implies he's ready after catching 160 career receptions for 2,153 yards and 15 touchdowns on 224 targets (71.4 percent caught, 9.6 yards per target).
Olamide Zaccheaus Olamide Zaccheaus Signs tender with Falcons Tue, Apr 19, 2022, 9:36 AM Zaccheaus signed his contract with the Falcons on Tuesday. Analysis: Previously a restricted free agent, Zaccheaus apparently was unable to find an offer that beat the $2.433 million RFA tender from the Falcons. He'd also have a hard time finding a better chance to earn snaps and targets, considering Russell Gage left for the divison-rival Bucs and Calvin Ridley is suspended for the entire 2022 season. The Falcons still figure to add more receivers before Week 1, but Zaccheaus could nonetheless be in the mix for a starting job, joined by a cast of journeymen that includes Damiere Byrd, KhaDarel Hodge and Auden Tate.