The Atlanta Falcons were interested in landing their current division rival

We’re living through what is by far the most boring time of year for Atlanta Falcons fans. The preseason is a full summer away and free agency and the draft are firmly behind us. Overreacting to practice reps and sifting through the bargain aisles of free agency is what’s left of the team’s offseason.

Although there are always interesting headlines and comments coming out of Atlanta. The most interesting story this week is the confirmation that Atlanta has pursued division rival Mike Evans. Evans re-signed with the Bucs in a lucrative long-term deal that was the right move for the receivers.

The veteran continued to be elite, ranking 33rd in the league in all-time receiving yards. A healthy season with the same level of production from Evans would propel the veteran into the early 20s all-time. An incredible accomplishment considering the dysfunction and struggles in Tampa surrounding Tom Brady’s seasons.

Mike Evans to Atlanta is a fun angle to consider with Pitts, London, Robinson and Evans easily forming the best group of weapons in the league. Atlanta settling for Darnell Mooney is still a great move, but one that doesn’t have the same ceiling that Evans would have brought.

Beyond the offensive fit, you also need to consider the ability to steal an impact player from your division rival. It’s a race to lose between Tampa and Atlanta. New Orleans is in dire need of a rebuild and the Panthers are completely lost, unable to push the roster in the right direction.

Removing Mike Evans from Tampa would have been the move that would have put Atlanta clearly in the lead in the division. Even so, going with a cheaper option and keeping the door open to paying Pitts and London might have been the right decision in the long run.