The Atlanta Falcons are preparing to make major changes to the team that do not include the coaching staff. With Dan Quinn likely taking over the coaching duties following the Super Bowl, the attention will shift to the roster holes as the Falcons have several needs to take care of in free agency. With most mock drafts predicting the Falcons take a pass rusher No. 1 overall, a majority of the team's upgrades could come on the open market.
The offense will take center stage as the Falcons need to help Matt Ryan out. Yes, the Falcons have Julio Jones as their top wide receiver, but the rest of the rotation is 30 or older which has shown in injuries. Roddy White and Harry Douglas both suffered setbacks during the season, leaving the Falcons incredibly short-handed and Jones to overwork himself.
The Falcons could look to the NFL Draft for a young body to help out. Several mocks actually predict Atlanta takes Amari Cooper in the first round, something that would be nice, but is highly unlikely. Players like Kevin White or Sammie Coates could be a more realistic option. The Falcons likely will not look to overpay on a wide receiver in free agency, but most start thinking about getting younger bodies in the rotation to help out.
The tight end spot needs to be a priority for the team as well. The Falcons missed Tony Gonzalez in a big way in 2014 as Levine Toilolo did not do a solid job as a starter. According to Bleacher Report, the Falcons could aim for a big name like Julius Thomas or Jordan Cameron in free agency.Players like Niles Paul or Charles Clay would be cheaper to acquire and still make an impact.
Quinn will put heavy focus on the defense since that is what he is known for. Players like Sean Weatherspoon, Kroy Biermann and Robert McClain all need new contracts. Weatherspoon is coming off another injury-riddled season and if he is unwilling to accept a pay cut, he could not be returning. Biermann also will not command a big contract. While he did come along well late in the season, he along with the rest of the defense underachieved in 2014. There is also the factor of Osi Umenyiora retiring leaving the Falcons short on pass rushers.
The biggest contract the Falcons must hand out this offseason is one to Julio Jones who is preparing to enter the final year of his contract. The wide receiver will get a big pay raise this offseason, but the Falcons will be smart to make sure it does not eat up their cap space for players to come.
