NFL free agency is winding down, but we're still keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2022 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts. The new league year began March 16. The first round of the 2022 NFL draft begins April 28 on ESPN.
The Atlanta Falcons have reshaped their franchise in the wake of the Matt Ryan trade to the Indianapolis Colts. With that deal, they're faced with the largest amount of dead money against the cap that any team has ever had. General manager Terry Fontenot has had to look for bargains where he could and hang onto some of his own on team-reasonable deals.
Here's a breakdown of every 2022 NFL free-agent signing by the Falcons, and how each will impact the upcoming season:
Marcus Mariota, QB
Mariota and the Falcons reached a two-year agreement.
What it means: It was a franchise-changing Monday in Atlanta, with the club trading quarterback Matt Ryan to the Colts and then signing Mariota to be at least the short-term starter for the Falcons.
Considering the dearth of options for the Falcons at quarterback, Mariota makes sense. The former No. 2 pick in the 2015 draft by the Tennessee Titans overlapped with Arthur Smith in Nashville. If Atlanta's second-year coach can do for Mariota's career what he did for Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill's, where he was the offensive coordinator in 2019-20, it could work out well.
What's the risk: A lot. If Mariota doesn't play well, the Falcons are in real trouble. But this move -- the Ryan trade combined with signing Mariota -- feels like more the start of a rebuild than anything else. So if Mariota doesn't play well, he probably won't be in Atlanta long as the starter anyway.
So the risk isn't huge because poor performances would lead to a higher pick in a potentially quarterback-heavy 2023 draft, and a good performance might solve their quarterback problem.
Anthony Firkser, TE
Firkser and the Falcons have a one-year agreement.
What it means: This signing might be one of the least surprising the Falcons have made this offseason. Firkser had a role both seasons that Atlanta coach Arthur Smith was the offensive coordinator in Tennessee and the Falcons could use an experienced No. 2 or No. 3 tight end behind starter Kyle Pitts. Firkser can block and catch passes, which could help him be an enhanced Lee Smith from last season.
What's the risk: Literally none. Firkser won't be expected to be a starter. He has caught more than 30 passes in each of the last two seasons (including 34 catches for 291 yards and two touchdowns last year). Atlanta is thin on experience at tight end other than Pitts, so he could have a slightly bigger role than he did in Tennessee, which is fine. Plus he knows Smith and what he's going to try and do. Sensible signing.
Rashaan Evans, LB
Evans has agreed to a one-year deal with the Falcons.
What it means: The Falcons lost Foyesade Oluokun, the NFL's leading tackler last season, to the Jaguars in free agency. They didn't really find a replacement for him and in Evans, they are bringing in a former first-round pick of the Titans who understands defensive coordinator Dean Pees' defense and started the last three years in Tennessee.
This is a good value signing for general manager Terry Fontenot, who said he would be looking for these types of players in free agency.
What's the risk: Not much. This team is rebuilding and has Deion Jones and Mykal Walker already on the roster as possible starters. At best, Evans supplants one of them and becomes an every-down linebacker for Atlanta like in 2019 and 2020 when he played at least 80% of snaps for the Titans. At worst, he's a player who comes in and becomes a high-quality backup to Walker and Jones who can give Atlanta some much-needed depth. No real risk here.
Lorenzo Carter, EDGE
The Falcons and Carter have a one-year agreement.
What it means: Atlanta finally has an edge rusher. This is the exact type of deal Fontenot has wanted to make -- find a player on a one-year deal who could outplay his contract. While the numbers aren't official, the 26-year-old Carter could be that value player.
As a full-time starter last year, Carter had a career-high five sacks -- more than any Falcons player had a year ago. Is Carter the full answer for a position in need of many players? No. But he is a guy who can be part of a solution to one of Atlanta's biggest issues.
What's the risk: If too much is asked of him. Carter has had less than 10 quarterback hits in each of the last two years. So if the expectation is for him to be the team's No. 1 pass-rusher, then that's probably setting too high of a goal for him. But to be a No. 2 pass-rusher with either a dynamic rookie or another veteran, it's a very good spot for the Falcons to be in. Not much to criticize by the Falcons here in making this move.
Cordarrelle Patterson, RB
What it means: The Falcons get back their most intriguing offensive option not named Kyle Pitts. Patterson found a home in Atlanta's offense as a do-everything running back who could also be a matchup mismatch as a wide receiver. Falcons head coach Arthur Smith used him more creatively than anyone else before, and it led to a career year in rushing yards, receiving yards and all-purpose touchdowns for Patterson.
Now, he'll likely pair up with Damien Williams and perhaps another back -- Mike Davis is, as of now, still on the roster -- to create Atlanta's run game.
Plus, it gives Patterson another season to try and break the NFL's all-time kick return touchdown mark in Atlanta. He's tied with eight career kick return touchdowns and told ESPN and the From The Perch podcast in February that he would like to do it in Atlanta with current special teams coordinator Marquice Williams.
What's the risk: Patterson's production waned toward the end of last season after an ankle injury, and if teams begin to figure out how Atlanta was using Patterson, that might cause some production issues.Plus, if Atlanta plans on using him as it did last year, in terms of volume, that might just be too much for the 31-year-old to handle for a second straight year. Of course, knowing how he's going to be used probably means he can train for it even more specifically than a year ago. Getting him back on special teams, though, would be key for Atlanta as well.
Casey Hayward Jr., CB
Hayward, who played last season with the Raiders, intends to sign a two-year deal with the Falcons for $11 million, according to NFL Network.
What it means: Hayward, 32, makes a bunch of sense for Atlanta as the team's No. 2 corner with Fabian Moreau reaching free agency. Hayward, who has started 112 of the 146 games he has played in his career, can be the stable veteran opposite rising star A.J. Terrell. Plus, he can be a mentor for Terrell. He has good instincts, too, with 24 career interceptions and 109 passes defended.
That Hayward has held opponents to under 50% completions the past two seasons (per Pro Football Reference) is another big advantage for a team needing to get better in the secondary.
What's the risk: With any player over 30, especially one at a speed position like corner, signs with a team there has to be at least an eyebrow raised because when players fall off, they often fall off fast.
Otherwise, if he can come in as a mentor for Terrell and second-year players Darren Hall and Avery Williams, that's a massive boost for your secondary.
Erik Harris, S
The Falcons kept Harris on a one-year agreement.
What it means: Harris is back for his second straight year in Atlanta. The difference this time could be Harris will probably have to fight with Jaylinn Hawkins and Richie Grant for a starting role. Harris brings a veteran presence to the safety room as well as insurance if Hawkins or Grant goes down. Plus, defensive coordinator Dean Pees likes playing multiple safety packages so Harris could have a specific role.
What's the risk: There isn’t risk, per se, but if Harris beats out Grant for a starting role, that could be concerning for last year’s second-round pick. Otherwise, no real issues as long as the contract is reasonable, which it should be based on other deals Atlanta has given out.
Damien Williams, RB
The Falcons and Williams agreed to a one-year deal.
What it means: The Falcons' running back room was never going to stay static -- so some move was coming. Whether Williams is the first move of an overhaul or just an addition, but the 5-foot-11, 225-pound back has averaged 4.2 yards per carry in his career and has special teams experience from early in his career in Miami.
Williams signing with Atlanta isn't surprising considering the connections the Falcons have with the Bears -- including hiring Chicago's running backs coach last year, Michael Pitre, and former Bears general manager Ryan Pace.
Does this mean something for Cordarrelle Patterson? Or Mike Davis? That might be determined by Williams' contract.
What's the risk: Like many of Atlanta's signings, if the expected role is too big. Williams has shown promise in the past -- he gained 4.5 yards per carry in 2020 with Kansas City during the best year of his career, but he never has been the lead back. So if Atlanta expects him to become that, it should have learned its lesson with Davis a season ago.
But if the expectation is for the 29-year-old -- he turns 30 in April -- to come in and be a part of a multi-faceted backfield, then it could be a really strong signing.
Younghoe Koo, K
Koo has agreed to re-sign with the Falcons for five years and $24.25 million with $11.5 million guaranteed, per a source.
What it means: The Falcons could have just tendered Koo and taken their chances, but instead, the team decided to make a major commitment to one of the NFL's most consistent kickers. Koo has made 92.6% of his field goals over the past three seasons with the Falcons.
What's the risk: Not much, although with any kicker, a run of missed kicks can be an issue. Many kickers have gone through that in their careers, and with the deal the Falcons have given Koo, they probably would have to ride through any potential issues there. But Koo has shown no signs of being in that position since he arrived in Atlanta.
Teez Tabor, CB
Tabor signed a one-year deal with the Falcons.
What it means: Tabor was drafted in the second round, and immediately there were questions about his speed. Those speed questions came up throughout his two years with the Detroit Lions, which led to him being cut in 2019. He has bounced around the league since. He has good size at 6-foot-0, 191 pounds and has become a versatile player who can play corner or safety and on special teams.
Tabor should compete for depth spots at safety and nickel.
What's the risk: If you're counting on Tabor for too much, do so at your own peril. So it'll depend on the role the team envisions for him. If it's for depth and competition, it's a fine signing of a player who has started to find his way. If it's one where he's being asked to do a lot, it could be an issue.
Elijah Wilkinson, OT
The Falcons signed Wilkinson to a one-year contract.
What it means: The Falcons needed to bring in competition on the offensive line, and Wilkinson, who has played 58 games and started 27 between the Denver Broncos and Chicago Bears, can provide it.
Wilkinson was with the Bears last season, playing 13 games and starting one, and the connection with former Bears GM Ryan Pace might have turned Atlanta on to Wilkinson, who should be competition for a depth spot at tackle.
What's the risk: Totally depends on the terms of the deal. If this is a short-term, low-money deal, then there's literally no true risk for the Falcons for a 27-year-old who could provide the Falcons with some push for Kaleb McGary at right tackle. This shouldn't keep Atlanta from drafting a lineman or signing others.
Colby Gossett, G
Terms are not yet disclosed.
What it means: Not a ton. Gossett was with the Falcons all last season, starting one game. He is a backup lineman who could provide depth like he did a year ago behind Chris Lindstrom and Jalen Mayfield. He could possibly be one of the guys who will compete for a reserve interior offensive line spot.
What's the risk: Not much risk here unless the Falcons made a surprising payment on this deal -- which seems highly unlikely. Gossett is not a guarantee to make the roster, but he's going to fight for a spot.
Anthony Rush, DT
Rush inked a one-year deal with the Falcons.
What it means: The Falcons liked Rush a lot during his time in Atlanta, where he played in 10 games, starting six of them. He found a role in the Falcons' rotation and provided good depth behind Grady Jarrett. If that's the role Atlanta continues to envision for him, it makes sense. He was one of the people who took snaps from Tyeler Davison, who was released earlier this week.
What's the risk: Not much. He is a perfect player to be a backup to an elite player like Jarrett. He can give good penetration on rushing downs and is a big space-eater at 361 pounds. He had the best season of his career in those 10 games with Atlanta, so the Falcons found the most productive way to use the 25-year-old who had been in four prior spots.
Isaiah Oliver, CB
Oliver re-signed with the Falcons for one year.
What it means: When Oliver was lost for the season last year, it greatly affected how the franchise operated on defense. Oliver had thrived in his new role as the nickel in Dean Pees' defense, a do-it-all nickel Atlanta could rely on in every potential situation.
Bringing him back gives the Falcons stability at all three starting cornerback spots with A.J. Terrell and Hayward on the outside, Oliver in the middle and young players they can mentor in both positions. Still 25, Oliver is a player possibly on the cusp of big things.
What's the risk: The risk here is his health. Before he got hurt, he was on pace to be playing for something much larger than a one-year deal. But now this is likely a prove-it situation. And the risk is the injury limits Oliver in 2022.
Otherwise, no risk here. He's a capable player who knows the defense -- and that is something valuable, as Atlanta is once again bringing in a bunch of new players to try to begin fixing one of the league's worst defenses from a year ago.
Germain Ifedi, OT
The Falcons inked Ifedi to a one-year deal.
What it means: The Falcons are loading up on former first-round picks with ties to members of the organization --signing linebacker Rashaan Evans (Tennessee) and now Ifedi. He has 83 career starts between four seasons in Seattle (where he was the No. 31 pick in 2016) and two years in Chicago (where Falcons personnel executive Ryan Pace was general manager).
Ifedi could end up pushing right tackle Kaleb McGary or left guard Jalen Mayfield for a starting spot due to his experience at a position where Atlanta allowed 40-plus sacks in each of the past four years.
What's the risk: None, really, because the Falcons need to at least be searching for offensive line upgrades and Ifedi could provide competition. On a one-year deal, Atlanta isn't locked into anything beyond 2022. This, like the Evans signing, feels like what the team did with Cordarrelle Patterson last season; take a chance on a player with talent and see if they can unlock it.