The Atlanta Falcons leading wide receiver last season was Russell Gage, who averaged just 45 yards per game. This is simply unacceptable for a team who want to have playoff aspirations in 2022. Gage, Olamide Zaccheaus and Tajae Sharpe are all impending free agents. Calvin Ridley's future is uncertain with some speculation suggesting he might be traded. Atlanta's wide receivers as a group are one of the least talented units in the whole league. Falcons wide receivers ranked last in the NFL for % of a teams pass attempts thrown to their wideouts. I think Terry Fontenot should look to sign one receiver in free agency and add a second through the draft. I compiled a list of four wide receivers I think the Falcons should consider signing in free agency to bolster this skill group. Obviously, I avoided the likes of Davonte Adams and Chris Godwin, as they aren't affordable given our limited cap space.
Christian Kirk: If the Falcons are looking to make a splash signing. Christian Kirk from the Arizona Cardinals could be their man. Slot receivers play a huge role in NFL offenses. When I think of the great New England Patriots offense with Tom Brady under center, he had Wes Welker and later Julian Edelman. The Broncos record breaking offense with Peyton Manning also had Wes Welker. Kirk lined up in the slot on over 77% of his snaps in the 2021 season in Kliff Kingburys' offense. Kirk finished the year just 18 yards shy of a thousand yard season. He scored 5 receiving touchdowns. An impressive tally considering he was competing with AJ Green, Rondale Moore and Deandre Hopkins for targets. Kirk would give Matt Ryan a playmaker over the middle that he seriously needs. His projected contact would cost in the region of 10-12 million a year.
DJ Chark: Jacksonville Jaguars DJ Chark missed a lot of the 2021 season after getting injured in week 4. Chark is a 6' 4" wideout with 4.3 speed. The former LSU man would add a dynamic deep threat to an Atlanta offense severely lacking players with a home run ability. Chark could fill the position in Arthur Smith's offense that AJ Brown thrived in under Smiths tutelage in Tennessee. Chark may want a change of scenery after falling out with former Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer. Chark would probably request 10-13 million per year.
Cedric Wilson Jr: Wilson had the best season of his career for the Dallas Cowboys. Wilson was a member of a loaded wide receiver group, ending the year with 602 yards and 6 touchdowns. He can run an extensive array of routes that allows him to make catches in all three phases of the passing game. Wilson is a former high school quarterback so he could also offer a threat on trick plays. I believe he could flourish in a bigger role for Atlanta and his contract would be the most team friendly of the four players mentioned.
Will Fuller V: Fuller could be available on a one year 10 million dollar deal. He signed with Miami on a similar deal after a PED suspension, but got hurt in 2021. Terry Fontenot done a good job getting Cordarelle Patterson in on a one season prove it deal. I feel Fuller could have a similar payoff for Arthur Smiths offense. Fuller was PFF's 9th ranked wide receiver in 2020, which shows he is an effective playmaker when he is healthy. Fuller is an elite deep threat, who has the ability to take the top off of the oppositions defence.
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Let me know would you sign any of these guys in the comments below. Alternatively, would you rather avoid receiver in free agency completely and take a receiver in the draft?
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