The Atlanta Falcons endured another rough season in 2021, struggling to the tune of a 7-10 record and a third-place finish in the NFC South. There are plenty of areas for the Falcons to improve upon ahead of the 2022 campaign, and the team is expected to make some splashes in free agency during the offseason. With Matt Ryan effectively locked in for another go-around in 2022, the Falcons will need to find ways to be competitive next season, as the veteran QB has just two years left on his current deal. Calvin Ridley's future in Atlanta remains unclear, so wide receiver is an area that needs to be addressed, in addition to an overhaul of the defense that surrendered 364.4 yards per game last season, ranking 25th in the NFL. With all that in mind, here are a few early free agent targets for the Falcons to hone in on during the 2022 NFL offseason.
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Falcons Free Agent Targets for 2022 NFL Offseason
3. Marcus Maye, Safety
Marcus Maye was one of the Jets' best defensive players before going down with an Achilles injury in 2021. While the injury is a significant concern, a healthy Maye is one of the best safeties in football, and he could be a notable addition and improvement for the Falcons' defense. Maye featured in just six games for the Jets in 2021, but his previous two seasons were excellent. In 2019 and 2020, Maye started 32 games, recording three interceptions, 18 pass defenses, 153 tackles, two forced fumbles, and 2.0 sacks.
Considering the nature of his injury, the Falcons could probably manage to bring Maye in on a one-year deal, which would allow them to evaluate his Achilles injury on a prove-it deal. When healthy, Maye can be a significant impact player in Atlanta's secondary, as he's showcased in the past in New York. Health will be a major factor in whether Maye is in play for the Falcons, but if healthy, Maye could be an outstanding addition to the Falcons' secondary.
2. Laken Tomlinson, Guard
The Falcons could definitely stand to improve the offensive line heading into 2022, and one player they should be taking a long look at is 49ers guard Laken Tomlinson. The former first-round pick is set to hit free agency this season after spending the first four years of his career with the Niners. As it stands, the Falcons' starting guards are Jalen Mayfield and Chris Lindstrom, but bringing in an experienced talent like Tomlinson, who likely won't cost a lot to acquire, could be an ideal move for GM Terry Fontenot in Year 2.
Tomlinson isn't a flashy signing by any means, but he can provide some additional protection for the aging Matt Ryan, while also helping unlock Cordarrelle Patterson in the run game, should he re-sign with the team. At 29 years old, Tomlinson could provide some stability in the trenches for the Falcons as they look to improve for the future.
1. Christian Kirk, Wide Receiver
Rumors surrounding Calvin Ridley's future in Atlanta have been swirling ever since the young wide receiver left the team to focus on his mental health. Assuming Ridley doesn't return to the Falcons in 2022, the team would be in desperate need for a WR1. While Russell Gage was great in 2021, he likely isn't capable of being a top option on a team. Thus, Christian Kirk could be an ideal solution for Atlanta.
Kirk found himself playing second fiddle to the likes of DeAndre Hopkins (while healthy) and Zach Ertz in 2021. Kirk is an underrated talent who would have plenty of opportunities to excel in Atlanta. With Matt Ryan throwing to him, Kirk could become the primary option in the Falcons' passing game and have the big breakout year many were hoping for him to have in Arizona. Kirk likely won't break the bank on his next contract, and he's coming off the best season of his career, having hauled in 77 receptions for 982 yards and five receiving touchdowns.
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