With the departure of Julio Jones leaving a massive hole in the offense, at least one media outlet believes that the Falcons could be in play for one of the better free agent receiving options left on the market:
Tate’s production has steadily dropped off over the past three seasons. The 32-year-old had 795 yards while splitting time between the Lions and Philadelphia Eagles in 2018 before producing 676 and 388 yards in 2019 and 2020, respectively, for the New York Giants. With an influx of young talent at wide receiver across the league, Tate will likely have to wait until camps begin to find a new home.
A return to Detroit, which is severely lacking in weapons for Jared Goff after letting Kenny Golladay walk, could also make sense. If the Bears do trade Anthony Miller, Tate would be a decent replacement in the slot. But Atlanta needs another wide receiver behind Calvin Ridley after trading Julio Jones and now has the cap space to make some minor veteran moves.
I’m a firm believer in Frank Darby’s potential, and my breakdown about him illustrates that. I also believe Russell Gage has a big season in store, but do the Falcons want to put all of their eggs in those baskets? I do think Tate makes sense for Atlanta in a vacuum, but I’m in the same camp as Alex Lord — the Falcons should roll over their cap space.
If the Falcons decide to acquire via free agency, my big board is led by Justin Houston. At this point, perhaps the Falcons should just look forward to 2022 when money is tight again.
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