With the Atlanta Falcons needing some kind of boost to help their struggling team, free agents could become a possibility. The Falcons have hit a dangerous skid in their attempt to be playoff contenders and it might not get better with a game against the Minnesota Vikings on the horizon. With several big names available on the market, could the Falcons eye some help?
According to ESPN's Rich Cimini, the New York Jets have waived former first-round draft pick Quinton Coples claiming the release of the outside linebacker was merely business and not becomes the star cannot play. Currently healthy and available, Coples could become a target of the Falcons as the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that the linebacker would be a solid addition for the team.
Under Rex Ryan, Coples was a star. However, he failed to gain the same favor with head coach Todd Bowles. At 25 yards old, Coples has his entire career in front of him and considering his versatility as both a linebacker and defensive end, he would be a good addition to help the struggling Falcons. The team has plenty of players set to hit free agency this offseason as Adrian Clayborn, Kroy Biermann and O'brien Schofield all signed short-term deals. However, he would be a $7.7 million cap hit in 2016 for Atlanta. That is an expensive risk to take.
Another player that could get looked at is DJ Swearinger who was released by the Houston Texans. The one-time target of the Falcons is healthy and available for cheap and Atlanta would be wise to look. The team continues to deal with injuries to players like William Moore, Robert Alford and Ricardo Allen. All three players were on the field in Week 11, but adding another healthy body into the secondary is not the worst idea. According to ESPN's Vaughn McClure, the Falcons might look, but a deal does not seem likely at the moment.
Atlanta has a lot of improving that needs to happen in the short-term whether they add bodies to the roster or not. According to head coach Dan Quinn via ESPN.com, Devonta Freeman is making big strides towards being able to play on Sunday after suffering a concussion in Week 11. If he cannot play, Tevin Coleman would get the starting nod. Meanwhile, the biggest player needing to step up is Matt Ryan who continues to make costly turnovers. Teammates are coming to the quarterback's defense as Ryan got booed off the field against the Indianapolis Colts. Julio Jones made it clear that everyone has faith in Ryan going forward.
"I think he's going to be there," Jones said, via ESPN.com. "He's not the type of guy to get in the tank. Everybody has bad games. I think, just as a whole -- catching the ball, right assignments, keys and everything, who we're blocking -- I think it's the whole offense. You just can't pick out one guy.
