The Atlanta Falcons showed some signs of life late during the 2019 season, but it still wasn't enough to make the playoffs, or even finish with a .500 record.
There are still a lot of talented players on the roster, and it isn't time to start a rebuild yet, which makes this offseason crucial. There are many areas that need to be improved, and that can happen through the draft, trades, and free agency. Let's break down three moves the Falcons need to make during the offseason.
3. Draft a quarterback in the middle rounds
Matt Shaub is not the answer anymore at backup quarterback and Matt Ryan is also getting up there in age. It might not be time to start thinking about drafting a replacement yet, but they need to find someone who can win a few games if Ryan goes down with an injury.
This is looking to be a deep quarterback draft, and getting a solid backup in the middle rounds looks like it could happen. The Falcons need to make sure they make it happen.
2. Sign Dante Fowler Jr.
The Falcons announced they wouldn't be negotiating with Vic Beasley Jr., which means they need a pass rusher that can be a game-changer. Heading into the 2015 draft, many believed the Falcons could draft Dante Fowler Jr., but it never happened.
He is going to cost a lot of money, but he is worth every penny with how much of a game-changer he is. During the 2019 season, Fowler racked up 11.5 sacks.
Signing Fowler might limit who else they can get during free agency, but with the way the pass rush was last season, it doesn't matter. Fowler Jr. would be a game changer for the Falcons and he needs to be in Atlanta.
1. Sign Melvin Gordon
Devonta Freeman has proven he isn't the long-term solution for the Falcons and one of the biggest issues last season was their inability to rushing the ball. During the 2019 season, the Falcons only rushed 85.1 yards per game, which was 30th overall in the league.
Melvin Gordon didn't play the full season in 2019, but he still rushed 162 times for 612 yards and eight touchdowns. He was also a threat catching the ball, hauling in 42 passes for 296 yards and a touchdown.
He is the perfect guy for the Falcons and should take some of the pressure off of Matt Ryan. If this happens, they have to be considered almost locks to make it back to the playoffs next season.
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