Even after adding offensive weapons in the first round of three consecutive drafts, the Atlanta Falcons still need some help at wide receiver. Fortunately, there will be plenty of good options available in both the NFL draft and free agency this year.
In our latest mock draft, we have the team selecting Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze in the first round. However, some NFL oddsmakers have their money on a different receiver coming to Atlanta this offseason.
The Falcons are currently the betting favorites to sign Calvin Ridley in free agency, followed by the Chiefs, Jets, Bills and Steelers.
- Falcons: +200
- Chiefs: +500
- Jets: +700
- Bills: +800
- Steelers: +1000
Even though the former first-round pick had a solid year for the Jaguars — 76 catches for 1,016 receiving yards and eight touchdowns — Jacksonville is not expected to sign him to an extension. While this doesn’t mean they won’t re-sign him, it’s unlikely to happen before the new league year begins on March 13.
By allowing him to enter free agency, the Jaguars would risk losing Ridley, but they would have to give Atlanta a second-round pick if they extend him before March 13.
The Falcons are guaranteed to get a third-round pick from Jacksonville, and it would be that much sweeter if they also bring Ridley back to Atlanta. The team is already considered the favorite to trade for Bears quarterback Justin Fields.