The Atlanta Falcons already had several questions heading into the offseason even before the suspension of star wide receiver Calvin Ridley was announced. Now, a position that perhaps wasn't looked at as one of need has now become one, given that the franchise will now be without Ridley for the entire 2022 season. In addition to wide receiver, the Falcons could stand to upgrade the offensive line, the pass rush and the cornerback position. However, the Falcons need to spend wisely, especially considering the fact that quarterback Matt Ryan's contract takes up a fair amount of their available cap room. That said, here are two free agents that the Falcons must avoid during the 2022 NFL free agency period.
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2 Free Agents The Falcons Must Avoid
2. Melvin Ingram
Melvin Ingram is a very accomplished NFL player. He also would represent an upgrade for the Falcons' pass rush, which managed a measly 18 sacks this past season, by far the fewest in the NFL. Atlanta knows that they need to address the pass rush, otherwise the defense will continue to have troubles against the pass. Ingram, 32, appeared in 15 games for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs this year, totaling two sacks, though the veteran also compiled a 79.7 PFF grade, showing that he is still a very capable defender, both against the pass and the run. Given the pass-rushers available in free agency and the draft, Ingram would also likely cost a lot less than other options out there. So, what's not to like from the Falcons' perspective? Well, before the 2021 season, the 32-year-old pass rusher succumbed to lower-body injuries, such as knee and thigh ailments. Ingram had a limited injury history before this, so it's possible that those injuries were a bit fluky. However, Atlanta can't afford to take chances like that given their limited free agent budget. The Falcons would be better off spending their money on a free agent offensive lineman rather than chasing after someone like Ingram.
1. A.J. Green
The Falcons likely can't afford any of the top free agent wide receivers, which includes the likes of Davante Adams, Chris Godwin and Allen Robinson. As such, it might be tempting for the Falcons to then pivot to one of the veteran options available, particularly after the suspension of Ridley. Atlanta might think that they can get by with a veteran such as Green, who they could sign to a one-year deal and let walk the following year when they can potentially get Ridley back. It makes even more sense when considering that Green had a bounce-back year for the Arizona Cardinals in 2021, as he compiled his highest total of receiving yardage since the 2017 season. However, the Falcons need to stay away from the 33-year-old Green. The former Cincinnati Bengals wideout has dealt with a long list of injuries since entering the league, though he has enjoyed a clean bill of health recently. However, do the Falcons really want to take the chance that someone like Green- who missed time due to injuries during his prime years- is going to age gracefully as he enters the latter years of his career? Atlanta would be better off spending on a younger receiver on the rise or using a draft pick on a prospect wideout, just in case Ridley doesn't have an NFL future.
