3 Longshot Moves the Atlanta Falcons Could Make to Fix Passing Problems

The lack of pass rush for the Atlanta Falcons remains the team’s biggest concern moving forward. With the obvious trade and free agent solutions, the options for the Falcons are limited.

Bralen Trice was Atlanta’s only significant addition, and that’s easily offset by the loss of Calais Campbell. Any approach to trying to correct the position will have to think a little outside the box. This could start by ending a position battle and moving the positions of a current Falcon.

It’s a bit of a risky move considering how strong Elliss was in his current position. However, you have two linebackers, Troy Andersen and Nate Landman, who look capable. The same can’t be said for your depth at the rim. Arnold Ebiketie and Lorenzo Carter are your current projected starters.

The team is continually adding depth to the defensive line and has yet to manage a single capable passer. Elliss could be a solution to the problem. In his final season with New Orleans, Elliss finished with 7.0 sacks and was a solid pass rushing option.

Perhaps moving the linebacker outside and pairing him with Ebiketie could be the answer to Atlanta’s problems. Ebiketie and Elliss make a much more interesting duo and allow you to use Carter and Trice as rotation pieces. It’s not a guaranteed solution, but it has more upside than what Lorenzo Carter brings as the starting passer.

It appears that the conflict between Judon and the Patriots has probably been squashed. After dealing with trade rumors this offseason, things have settled between the two parties. However, if you’re in Atlanta, you should try to test the waters.

Judon has proven to be an excellent passer when healthy and could fit well in Atlanta’s system. The issue here is the ability to take on the contract and the Patriots to remove a valuable piece.

Signing Kirk Cousins ​​is a signal that you are going all-in to win now. This means spending future picks and assets in favor of adding veteran pieces like Judon. While this is unlikely to work, it is the clearest path to solving the pass rush.

Judon fits in well in Atlanta and would make the defense much more interesting in the 2024 season. Would New England consider moving on at this point?

Neither veteran is going to give you great production at this point in their career. Despite this, they are Atlanta’s top pick in free agency and offer more upside than Lorenzo Carter. At worst, you bring in two veterans that Trice and Ebiketie can learn from.

With the hope that this will improve your pass rush and either player can turn back the clock a bit. Houston has had success as recently as the 2022 season. Lawson’s career has been a bit more inconsistent but has proven to be an asset in the right situation.

No matter what move they choose to make, if the Falcons don’t try to improve at their position, it will cost them. You can’t win anything meaningful in this league without a reliable pass rush. Something Atlanta looks set to find out the hard way once again.