The Atlanta Falcons came into 2019 free agency as one of the most cash-strapped teams in the NFL. After franchise tagging defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, they had just $6.7 million to spend and looked unlikely to make any outside moves. However, thanks to a few creative moves like restructuring quarterback Matt Ryan’s contract and releasing right tackle Ryan Schraeder, the team was able to make a couple minor additions.
There were no splashy signings or shocking moves, but the Falcons front office did address a few areas of need. Let’s hand out grades for each move the team has made since the start of free agency this year.
Signed: G James Carpenter: 4 years, $21 million
Pros: Carpenter was one of several potential free agent offensive line targets we picked out for Atlanta two months ago. He’s a fit from a schematic perspective and has experience working with coach Dan Quinn from their time together with the Seahawks. Also, his deal is relatively team friendly in that they can get out of it easily after two years.
Cons: Nobody is going to confuse Carpenter with Andrew Norwell anytime soon. He’s never been a superstar kind of guard and probably never will be. Last season, Pro Football Focus ranked him just No. 54 at his position. They’re not paying him star money though, As long as Carpenter plays at an average level he qualifies as an upgrade at left guard.
Grade: B
Signed: G Jamon Brown: 3 years, $18.75 million
Pros: Right guard was just as problematic as right tackle last season, which made Matt Ryan’s life very difficult at times. By signing Brown, the Falcons are rolling the dice that he’ll be an improvement over the carousel of players that tried and failed at the position last season. Much like Carpenter’s deal, Brown’s is flexible.
Cons: If Carpenter is nothing to get excited about, then Brown is a downright questionable signing. His cap hits are not massive enough to be a huge concern, but he’s only played a handful of solid games in his four-year NFL career. The sample size is very small and it’s not hard to imagine this move going bust.
Grade: C
Signed: RB/KR Kenjon Barner: 1 year
Pros: The Falcons’ return game has been lagging for a long time now – ever since Eric Weems fell off. Kenjon Barner is a terrific athlete and a more capable returner than anyone they’ve tried the last few years. He also gives them more depth at running back, which was a need after the team lost Tevin Coleman to the 49ers.
Cons: Barner is a good depth addition and the move is perfectly fine on its own merits. However, it appears to have come at the cost of losing Marvin Hall. Re-signing Hall likely would have been cheaper (no numbers have come out yet), but he has signed with the Bears.
Grade: A*
Signed: TE Luke Stocker: 2 years
Pros: Stocker was another potential free agent target we picked out a while back, primarily based on his previous experience with the coaching staff. Early in his career, he played for offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter when he was the Bucs’ head coach. He also suited up for tight ends coach Mike Mularkey when he was with the Titans. Stocker isn’t going to catch many balls, but he is a solid blocking tight end, which is a need especially given the team’s problems at right tackle.
Cons: Stocker is a fit on the field. However, we will have to wait and see how much he is getting before we can really evaluate this deal. It’s hard to imagine him getting much though, given the team’s cap constraints.
Grade: B*
Re-signed: TE Logan Paulsen: 1 year, $930,000
Pros: On Saturday, it was reported the Falcons are bringing Paulsen back on a one-year deal, which makes the team four-deep at the position. Paulsen rounds out the depth chart behind Stocker, Eric Saubert and Austin Hooper, who is blossoming into a legitimate star.
Cons: Re-signing Paulsen after adding Stocker is a little bit redundant. Unless Atlanta gets hit hard by injuries at tight end, it’s unlikely Paulsen will see much playing time.
Grade: C*
