ESPN names Falcons the best team fit for free agent CB

We are in that dead time for the NFL, but there are a few things to look forward to for Falcons fans.

Netflix’s Quarterback series is set to return this summer, and Kirk Cousins is a focal point. Hopefully, there are some answers to the infamous shoulder injury that resulted in a 1-4 record for the team, while Cousins threw nine interceptions to only one touchdown.

Eventually, the Falcons benched Cousins in favor of the rookie Michael Penix Jr. During the offseason, the veteran said a shoulder injury he suffered during the Saints contest in Week 10 caused the drop-off in his play.

Nonetheless, there are plenty of other exciting developments. The Michael Penix Jr. era is here, and it is glorious. Everyone, including the NFL, expects the southpaw to take the league by storm. Why else give the Falcons five primetime games?

On the other side of the ball, Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. join an exciting defensive front that could finally give the team a formidable defense. However, there are still facets of the roster that could use bolstering.

Which brings us to another intriuging part of the offseason — late-offseason free agent signings. In my estimation, the Falcons could use another starting-caliber cornerback, a space-eating interior defensive tackle, and competition at center for Ryan Nuezil.

ESPN recently did a piece on the best team fits for the best remaining free agents, and the Falcons were linked to veteran corner Mike Hilton.

“A slot corner who plays with a sense of urgency, Hilton would immediately upgrade the Falcons’ nickel package. He has a natural feel for playing in space as a coverage defender, with the aggressive mentality to tackle and blitz on the edges. The fit also works here in Raheem Morris’ zone-heavy defense (61.2% of opponent dropbacks in 2024).

Hilton can match inside or patrol alleys as an overhang defender and blitzer. He has recorded 13 interceptions, 11.5 sacks and 34 pass breakups in eight NFL seasons,” Matt Bowen writes.

As of right now, the Falcons have a competition for the nickel position developing. Dee Alford, Clark Phillips III, and Billy Bowman Jr. will compete for the starting role, with Mike Hughes and A.J. Terrell flanking them on either side.

A lot can change in a year, especially considering how bad most individuals performed last season under Jimmy Lake, but Alford was BBQ chicken in 2024. Phillips is better suited on the boundary than in the slot, and Bowman is exciting but still a rookie. Perhaps bringing in a proven commodity like Hilton could be worth it.

What say you?