The Atlanta Falcons have one of the league’s best one-two punches at the wide receiver position. Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley aren’t going anywhere for a few years at least, but the team has little depth behind them after trading Mohamed Sanu to the Patriots last season.
After examining some possible EDGE options, let’s take a look at seven wide receivers the Falcons could consider in free agency.
Geronimo Allison
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports2019 Stats: 34 catches, 287 yards, 2 TDs
Analysis: Allison has never put up great numbers, but at 26 years old, he’s a solid third or fourth receiver that has some special teams versatility. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers gained trust in Allison during their four seasons together. The former undrafted free agent out of Illinois was targeted 146 times in 46 games with Green Bay. Matt Ryan may need a couple of extra receiving options if the Falcons lose Austin Hooper, which seems likely at this point. Allison won’t break the bank due to a career high of 303 yards.
Josh Gordon
(AP Photo/Brian Blanco)2019 Stats: 27 catches, 426 yards, 1 TD
Analysis: Josh Gordon isn’t the same player he was seven years ago when he was putting up numbers that rivaled Julio Jones (87 catches, 1,646 and nine touchdowns in 2013). But he’s still a big-bodied receiver that’s fairly productive when healthy. Gordon could also provide some insurance for Jones in case of injury. Last year, he averaged 15.8 yards per catch in New England and Seattle. Considering Atlanta’s price range, there are worse options than the 28-year-old Gordon.
Phillip Dorsett
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports2019 Stats: 29 catches, 397 yards, 5 TDs
Analysis: Phillip Dorsett would bring speed and experience to a wide receiver group that doesn’t have a ton of depth at the moment. He’s never lived up to his first-round pick status, but has been a productive deep threat. Dorsett averaged 13.7 yards per catch in 2019, with five touchdown receptions. The Falcons wouldn’t need him to be anything more than what he’s been in the past to be a good fit.
Tajae Sharpe
Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports2019 Stats: 25 catches, 329 yards, 4 TDs
Analysis: Tennessee’s Tajae Sharpe could be the big target Atlanta needs to replace Austin Hooper. He’s a 25-year-old former fifth-round pick that’s improved a little bit each year. Sharpe posted a career-high 329 yards and four touchdowns last season. Despite a lack of top-level production, Sharpe’s upside could fetch him a contract that’s slightly out of the Falcons’ price range. He’s a name to watch as free agency kicks off, though.
Damiere Byrd
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports2019 Stats: 32 catches, 359 yards, 1 TD
Analysis: Byrd is an intriguing player who could play in the slot for Atlanta. He’s a bit small at just 5-foot-9, but has good speed and showed an ability to find open space last season with the Cardinals. He caught 32 of 46 targets in 2019, making the most of his first real NFL opportunity. Byrd fits the team’s price range and he still has upside at 27 years old.
Nelson Agholor
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports2019 Stats: 39 catches, 363 yards, 3 TDs
Analysis: A first-round pick back in 2015, Nelson Agholor’s career was trending in the right direction prior to last season. He has good speed and elusiveness but hasn’t been as sure-handed or consistent as the Eagles would have liked. Agholor could benefit from a change of scenery and the Falcons could take advantage of his down year and potentially get him at a bargain price.
Demaryius Thomas
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports2019 Stats: 36 catches, 433 yards, 1 TD
Analysis: Demaryius Thomas was once considered on par with Julio Jones, but he didn’t quite stay at that top level once Peyton Manning retired. At 32, he’s not a No. 1 or No. 2 option anymore, but would instantly be Atlanta’s third-best receiver. Thomas had 36 catches for 433 yards last season for the Jets. A one-year deal with the Falcons as a depth guy and possible Julio Jones insurance could be a nice fit for both parties.
