The Atlanta Falcons have been among the busiest teams on the NFL’s unofficial start to free agency. After trading a seventh-round pick to the New England Patriots for tight end Jonnu Smith, the Falcons gave right guard Chris Lindstrom a five-year extension.
The team then agreed to terms with free-agent defensive lineman David Onyemata on a three-year, $35 million contract, and re-signed both fullback Keith Smith and punter Bradley Pinion.
ESPN handed out grades for each major move thus far and the Falcons have received pretty average marks. Here’s what ESPN’s Seth Wilder had to say about the team adding Onyemata and Smith.
DT David Onyemata -- ESPN Grade: C
In a loaded defensive tackle market, this looks like an overpay for Onyemata. The numbers don’t suggest he’s a game-changer. He had five sacks last season and has never had more than 6.5 in a season. His 7% pass rush win rate at defensive tackle ranked 41st out of 54 qualifiers last season, and his 27% run stop win rate ranked 58th out of 68 qualifiers. Plus, he’s already 30 years old. I do think pass rush win rate slightly underrates Saints pass-rushers because they run a stunt-heavy defense. The Falcons need a better pass rush, but with so many better defensive tackles available, I don’t think this is a price worth paying.
TE Jonnu Smith -- ESPN Grade: C-
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— The Falcons Wire (@TheFalconsWire) March 13, 2023
