Falcons have a multitude roster requirements that demand attention

Over the coming months, much attention will be directed towards Raheem Morris and Terry Fontenot’s strategies for addressing the quarterback position. However, the Falcons have a multitude of other roster requirements that demand attention. Atlanta is in need of additional wide receivers, potentially a cornerback, an edge rusher, and could benefit from strengthening both the offensive and interior defensive lines. Amidst these priorities, there are also other tasks on the offseason agenda.

One crucial decision is exercising Kyle Pitts’ fifth-year option, a move I anticipate the team will make. Additionally, they must consider extending a few impending free agents whose contracts expire in 2025. Below are three players who stand out as potential candidates for extensions:

Avery Williams

The Falcons’ special teams performance regressed in 2023, a decline notably linked to the absence of Avery Williams. However, it’s worth noting that Williams is anticipated to make a comeback in 2024 and resume his previous level of play, as demonstrated in 2022. Despite this optimism, considering Williams for a contract extension might be premature due to his recent injury.

Drew Dalman

Dalman emerges as a subtle contender for a contract extension. While he could potentially explore free agency next offseason, it would be advantageous for the Falcons to retain the trio of Chris Lindstrom, Matthew Bergeron, and Dalman in the interior unit. Since assuming the role from Matt Hennessy, Dalman, a former fourth-round pick, has notably progressed. Despite some room for improvement in pass protection, his prowess in run blocking places him among the elite centers in the league.

A.J. Terrell

Many Falcons fans immediately think of A.J. Terell, the former first-round pick who has evolved into an All-Pro player. Terell is set to play on his fifth-year option, marking the final year of his rookie contract in 2024.

The cost of starting-caliber cornerbacks continues to rise, with top players like Jaire Alexander and Denzel Ward earning around $20 million annually. It’s likely that Terell’s contract will fall into this range, given his emergence as one of the premier players at his position.

While it’s improbable that he will completely reset the market as Chris Lindstrom did for guards last offseason, Falcons fans should anticipate a significant contract extension and salary increase for A.J. Terell.