The Atlanta Falcons let both Steven Jackson and Jacquizz Rodgers go in free agency while expressing their confidence in second-year pro Devante Freeman and re-signing Antone Smith. However, as new offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan prepares to put emphasis on the run game in 2015, are the Falcons preparing to add another body to the rotation either in the draft or via free agency?
According to the Pioneer Press and a "source close to the situation", the Atlanta Falcons are tossing their name into the pool of teams interested in trading for Adrian Peterson. Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press reports that six teams are in the mix for Peterson after the Minnesota Vikings running back was officially reinstated back into the NFL and the Falcons are a candidate.
ESPN is reporting that the Vikings are asking for a first-round pick for Peterson. They are aware they hold the upper hand in these talks and with interest high, they will try and get as much as they can for the former MVP. The team that trades for Peterson must also be capable of taking on his contract, something the Falcons could potentially do. According to Spotract.com, the Falcons have a solid amount of money left on the cap space and could afford Peterson. Most believed that spare money would be used for Julio Jones and his contract extension that is expected to come before the season begins.
The Falcons are interested in a running back. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the Falcons have visited with Todd Gurley, Melvin Gordon and Ameer Abdullah before the draft. Shanahan and head coach Dan Quinn want a more run-heavy offense in 2015 and while Freeman and Smith are quality backs, getting another rusher in the mix would help. The question is whether or not the need is so great the team must spend a first-round pick in order to help it.
Yes, several mock drafts have linked the Falcons to drafting Gurley in the first round, but that is for a young runner with dynamic abilities. Peterson is approaching the wrong end of 30 and may or may not be worth the investment. TheFalcoholic.com brings up the point that if the Falcons were to trade for Peterson it means the team is not concerned with rebuilding and is ready to get into playoff contention immediately. Drafting someone like Gurley or Abdullah in a later round means the Falcons have the long-term picture in mind. Football Betting Center has the Falcons tied for fourth at 20/1 to land Peterson. The team needs another running back, but how are they willing to give up to get one?