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The Atlanta Falcons dug themselves into a deep hole at the start of the 2019 season—a hole that they dug so deep, they couldn't climb their way out of, no matter how hard they tried.
The Falcons began last season 1-7. There's not much hope of turning the 2019 campaign around at that point. Atlanta definitely made an effort of it though. They won their next two games, to jump to 3-7, but dropped their next two, falling to 3-9.
From their, the Falcons went 4-0 and finished the season 7-9. A 6-2 finish to the year is a remarkable turnaround, it wasn't good enough, though.
Atlanta still missed the playoffs and now are in a weird spot. Just last season alone, they showed how bad things could get, but they also showed they could compete and be Super Bowl contenders.
So some changes will definitely need to be made this offseason. However, here are two free agents the Falcons should avoid.
Jadeveon Clowney
The Falcons are in desperate need of a pass rush. They've even admitted it themselves.
I mean, last season they had just 28 sacks, which was tied for the second least in the entire NFL. And to make that even worse, they aren't bringing back Vic Beasley, who led the team with eight sacks in 2019.
Provided that, it's pretty obvious that Atlanta will be looking to bring in at least one big name. And there aren't many names bigger than Jadeveon Clowney.
Let's look at this logically, though—it makes no sense. Clowney's looking for a big contract. He hasn't really given that type of production.
In his six year career, Clowney has appeared in 75 games. During that time, he has just 32 sacks, never surpassing 9.5 in a single season.
Last year, the pass rusher recorded just three sacks. While he did set a new career-high with four forced fumbles (and had his first career interception), the sacks are alarming.
There are a lot of teams that should consider Clowney. He definitely brings something to a defense and still has potential as a solid sack contributor.
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Atlanta needs sacks though. Adding three from a big-contract player is only going to set them back further. Go find someone who can give you eight sacks on an off year.
Any High-Price Tight End Not Named Austin Hooper
Austin Hooper has turned into an elite-level tight end for the Falcons. And both sides have expressed interest at staying together.
However, they haven't worked anything out. And now, Hooper is being courted by a number of teams.
If the Falcons don't land Hooper, they should stay away from any other tight end on the market that's going to cost too much. If they can manage one of them for cheap, go for it, but if the price gets high (as it will for some) stay away.
Jordan Reed is interesting. Elite when healthy, but rarely healthy. His price could be highish due to past production when he isn't injured. If that's the case stay away.
Eric Ebron might try to capitalize off his 2018 season. He struggled in 2019 though and has serious drop problems, stay away if he's asking for a lot.
Jimmy Graham, Tyler Eifert and Hunter Henry could be intriguing too. Only if the price is right though.
I don't want to tell Atlanta to definitely stay away from any of these players. But don't get sucked into a bidding war unless it's for Hooper.
