The Atlanta Falcons front office leaders know they have to aggressively upgrade the roster if they hope to make it back atop the NFC South. The team is doing its due diligence at the NFL combine right now, but they also know that free agency is looming. General manager Thomas Dimitroff is not known for making seismic moves in free agency, though he does acknowledge that the team will look to add talent via the open market this offseason.
"We're going to be very open-minded to what that free agency approach is going to be," Dimitroff said. "It's so important for us to leave here, see what we have potentially from a collegiate standpoint and then compare it to what may be out there in free agency."
One area where the Falcons could really use some help is rushing the passer. Atlanta recorded just 22 sacks last season, the same amount that Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston produced by himself. While he and New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul are ultimately expected to return to their current teams, there are still some intriguing pass-rushing options out there. And with roughly $22 million in salary cap space, the Falcons will have the resources to sign them.
"Suffice it say, we have some money and we can approach it where we'll be willing to make moves if we deem them necessary," Dimitroff said.
Buffalo's Jerry Hughes is an attractive option after he accumulated 19.5 sacks over the past two seasons. If Atlanta is willing to take a chance on a player with off-field concerns, Greg Hardy would be a talented addition. Pernell McPhee and Brian Orakpo are also considerations if the Falcons don't want to break the bank.
"You don't necessarily always have to jump out on the high-tier guys and pay out the roof," Dimitroff said. "There may be a situation where you can get some mid-line guys who fit his system and (head coach Dan Quinn is) going to utilize them."
If not free agency, there's always the NFL draft. Either way, expect the Falcons to add a little extra oomph to their group of pass-rushers this offseason.
