Falcons' Free Agency: Hits & Misses

0:00NFL stories making news on March 3rd. With NFL free agency legal tampering just days away, it's a perfect time to recap the Atlanta Falcons biggest free agent swings over the past decade. The team has seen wild ups and downs from a Super Bowl run in 2017 to an 8-year playoff drought. Standouts include Center Alex Maxx 5-year deal in 2016 that anchored the line for three probals and kicker Youngho Kooz mid-season. Pick up in 2019 that's lasted six strong years with over 86% accuracy. Early hits like wide receiver Mohammed Sanu added 2,500 yards over four seasons, while defensive tackle Don Terry Poe brought instant. Impact with two and a half sacks in 2017. Later, running back quarter row Patterson dazzled in 2021 as a rusher and receiver and safety Jesse Bates the third has been a captain since 2023 with 13 picks and two all pro nods, but plenty of moves fell flat hurting the franchise. Running back Todd Gurley flamed out in 2020

1:02after hype signing, totalling just 678 yards amid a five-game skid that cost the coach his job. Edge rushes like Dante, Fowler, Jr., and Bruce Irvin delivered minimal sacks and quarterback Kirk Cousins $180 million packed in. 2024 ended in a benching after a hot start turned cold with 10 turnovers. Fans and analysts still debate the fallout with flops like Gurley and Cousins tanking seasons and fueling rebuild talks. Meanwhile, successes such as linebackers Kaden Ellis and divine Diablo boosted the defense with Ellis hitting over 100 tackles yearly and Diablo key in wins during his healthy stretches. Looking ahead, several key defenders like Ellis, David O'Neumata, and Leonard Floyd hit free agency this offseason. General manager Terry Fontano faces pressure to build on recent defensive gains without repeating past mistakes as the Falcons chase playoffs again. A quick thank you to our sponsor of today's episode, headphones in a pillow. Once you try it,

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