3 Cornerback Free Agents the Atlanta Falcons should consider signing

The Atlanta Falcons cornerback depth chart is pretty bare. AJ Terrell, Kendall Sheffield and Darren Hall are currently the only established corners under contract for the 2022 season. Sheffield is a likely cut candidate. Cutting Sheffield would save Terry Fontenot $2.5 million that could be spent more wisely. I have identified three cornerbacks I feel would improve the Atlanta Falcons cornerback play. After all, Terrell can't do it all by himself.


Malcolm Butler: Every football fan should know who Malcolm Butler is. The former undrafted free agent out of West Alabama made one of the greatest plays in NFL History; his Superbowl sealing goal line interception of Russell Wilson in the final seconds of Superbowl 49 was one of the most dramatic footballing moments ever witnessed. Butler signed for the Arizona Cardinals for the 2021 season, but retired due to personal reasons. Butler has familiarity with Dean Pees defense. Pees was Butlers' defensive coordinator in 2018 and 2019 with the Tennessee Titans. He has expressed his desire to play in 2022 and the Cardinals have released him from the reserve/retired list. This means he is free to return and sign with any team he wants. Butler is a perfect buy low option at cornerback for the Falcons. Previously a top 10 cornerback, Butler's play can be streaky, but it is worth noting he was only cut by the Titans on 2020 due to cap reasons. He was their star cornerback in his final season with Mike Vrabels side. Butler has an impressive resume with 82 pass deflections and 24 turnovers in his career.


Akhello Witherspoon: Akhello Witherspoon played for the Pittsburgh Steelers last season, after being traded to them from Seattle for a 5th round pick. The former Colorado cornerback could start opposite AJ Terrell in Dean Pees defence. Witherspoon allowed only 16 receptions on 234 coverage snaps in 2021. He showed impressive playmaking ability recording 3 interceptions. Witherspoons is comfortable in press or off coverage. His 4.45 speed and 6'3" make him an ideal candidate for playing on the outside. He had PFF's 6th highest coverage grade (79.7) amongst cornerbacks in 2021. His projected contract would cost around $4-5 million per year. 


Bryce Callahan: If the Falcons don't resign slot corner Isiah Oliver, Bryce Callahan would be a solid option to fill that role. In 3 of the last 5 seasons, he has been one of the premier slot corners in the NFL. In 2020, he was forced to play outside due to injuries in the Denver secondary and he shone, allowing the lowest passer rating of any cornerback (46.9). He didn't allow a touchdown or reception over 19 yards either. Callahan would add valuable knowledge to an inexperienced Falcons secondary. He should be available at the cost of $5-6 million a season.

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Let me know would you sign any of these guys in the comments below. Alternatively, would you rather avoid cornerback in free agency completely and take one in the draft?

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