Last season, the Falcons went with veteran Kenjon Barner as their starting kick returner and he proved to be a solid and safe choice for the team.
Barner, 30, is currently a free agent, though, and Atlanta hasn’t indicated any intention of bringing him back in 2020. That leaves the team with several unproven options to fill this role.
Talking to reporters Monday morning, head coach Dan Quinn offered his thoughts on the starting kick/punt return job. He praised “leader in the clubhouse” Brandon Powell as the front-runner to handle the duties next season, per William McFadden:
Dan Quinn says Brandon Powell is the "leader in the clubhouse" for the #Falcons kick return role.
— William McFadden (@willmcfadden) April 20, 2020
Powell, 24, is an elusive receiver that has some experience returning kicks and punts with the Detroit Lions back in 2018. He can also bring a little something as a fourth receiver. The third-year wideout was signed by Atlanta last year but not given any playing time, which seems bound to change this season.
The Falcons could also use the upcoming NFL draft to add another player or two at the wide receiver and defensive back positions capable of competing for this spot in training camp.
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