3 free agents Falcons must target after 2024 NFL Draft

As we all know, the Falcons didn’t quite go the way in the first round as many had thought. They chose to shock the world by drafting Michael Penix Jr. instead of one of the talented pass rushers available on the board with the No. 8 overall pick. The team did eventually choose an edge rusher with their third-round pick in Washington’s Bralen Trice. Actually, their second, third, fourth, and fifth-round picks were all about bettering their pass rush by adding pieces to their front seven. Still, this is an area that could use some veteran leadership and experience.

Bud Dupree makes a lot of sense for the Falcons. He spent last year with the Falcons where he was tied with fellow free agent Calais Campbell in team sacks with 6.5. The 31-year-old is a true outside linebacker who, even in a new defensive system under new defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake, could come right in and contribute.

Hunter Renfrow, WR

Through free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft, the Falcons have been trying to rebuild their wide receiver room that took a big hit this offseason. They still have WR1 Drake London and are bringing in Darnell Mooney and Rondale Moore, along with sixth-round pick Casey Washington. But the question is, does new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson feel comfortable with this receiver room?

Seeing as how Robinson usually works with three receivers on the field a majority of the time, the Falcons are likely going to need some depth at the position. Also, there isn’t really a true slot receiver in this crop. Mooney has had his time there but hasn’t exactly flourished. He spent 443 of his 764 total snaps in the slot last year and yet walked away from his worst season yet. That’s why true slot receiver Hunter Renfrow should be on the Falcons’ target list.

Last season, Renfrow spent 322 of his 366 snaps at the slot position, according to Pro Football Focus. Renfrow’s numbers have taken a nosedive over the last two seasons, though. After his remarkable 1,000-yard season in 2021 where he was selected to his first Pro Bowl, he’s accounted for just 555 yards in the last two seasons.

You do have to consider the coaching and quarterback play that Renfrow was dealing with in his last two years with the Raiders, however. Adding him to Robinson’s system along with a talented supporting cast could be exactly what Renfrow needs.

Ahkello Witherspoon, CB

One of the more surprising moves for the Falcons in the draft, besides the obvious, was that they didn’t draft a single defensive back, particularly a cornerback. They did go out and sign two veterans in Kevin King and Antonio Hamilton leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft. But that was just depth pieces. The Falcons need someone who can play opposite of AJ Terrell as an every-down corner, helping Clark Phillips, who is the current CB2, and Dee Alford the nickel.

Former Los Angeles Rams corner Ahkello Witherspoon is still available on the free agent market. Obviously, coming from the Rams, Witherspoon is going to have strong ties to Morris, who was his defensive coordinator last season. The new Falcons head coach even said last August that the corner was “our type of guy,” according to SI.

Witherspoon is coming off a season where he started all 17 games for the first time in his career, accounting for a career-high three interceptions, 14 pass deflections, and 52 total tackles. There are perhaps better options out there at corner still with Xavien Howard or Stephon Gilmore, but it’s doubtful they’ll be in the Falcons’ price range.