PFF identifies Falcons’ top offseason need as ‘everything’

The Atlanta Falcons have been fighting a losing battle against the salary cap for several years, but that won’t be the case this offseason when the team is projected to have over $56 million in cap space.

That number will go up another $12 million if the Falcons release quarterback Marcus Mariota, as many expect them to do. But while the team will have plenty of cap space, Atlanta has several positions to address this offseason.

Whether it’s finding a No. 2 wide receiver, addressing the defensive line or potentially replacing right tackle Kaleb McGary, the Falcons have a lot to figure out in the coming weeks.

Pro Football Focus released a new feature highlighting each team’s biggest offseason need but found too many to count in Atlanta. Instead, PFF’s Sam Monson listed “everything” as the Falcons’ top need:

“In their first post-Matt Ryan season, the Falcons fielded an effective and entertaining offense. It was the most run-heavy system in football, calling run plays on over 50% of their snaps, but the defense was lagging way behind and needs a complete overhaul.

As a unit, the Falcons ranked 30th in expected points added (EPA) allowed per play and allowed a score on a league-worst 43.5% of their drives faced. There are a couple of players who belong, but there’s no level of the defense that doesn’t need an injection of talent.”

The Falcons arguably need more help on defense than anywhere else. The lack of a pass rush and inconsistent play in the secondary caused the defense to rank near the bottom of the NFL in most categories again in 2023.

We’ll see what kind of changes defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen makes, but there’s an undeniable need for talent along the defensive line.

Fortunately, there’s a handful of quality defensive linemen set to hit free agency this offseason, including Daron Payne, Javon Hargrave, Marcus Davenport and Dalvin Tomlinson.

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