Falcons C Drew Dalman’s Potential Favorite in Free Agency
Drew Dalman has quickly established himself as an important part of the Atlanta Falcons’ offensive line, especially after being drafted in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. A product of Stanford University, Dalman has shown promise as a center who can contribute significantly to the team’s future, particularly as the Falcons continue to build their offense under head coach Arthur Smith.
The 2021 season was a bit of a rollercoaster for Dalman, as he transitioned from college to the NFL. However, by the 2022 season, he was starting regularly at the center position and proved to be an important cog in a Falcons offensive line that helped their running game excel. A key element of Dalman’s success is his ability to block in both the running and passing game. His versatility as a center provides the Falcons with a solid foundation for the future, as they continue to work on improving the offensive line to protect their quarterback and build on their strong running game.
Given Dalman’s continued growth, there’s a natural assumption that he could become one of the more crucial pieces in the offensive line for the Falcons, and in a couple of years, he could even evolve into one of the league’s top centers. However, there are still a lot of questions surrounding the future of the Falcons and what additions they might make in free agency to further bolster the team’s roster.
The Falcons’ Approach to Free Agency
As the NFL’s free agency period approaches each year, one of the primary areas of focus for every team is strengthening their roster by acquiring the best available players to fill any positional weaknesses. For the Atlanta Falcons, free agency has become an area where they’ve focused their efforts in previous years to improve various facets of the team, particularly after a rebuilding phase. With the new collective bargaining agreement, salary cap adjustments, and other factors, the Falcons’ front office is expected to make strategic moves that improve both the immediate and long-term future of the team.
Under the leadership of general manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Arthur Smith, the Falcons have built a foundation for a competitive team. With a strong running game, the focus now shifts toward improving the passing attack, as well as solidifying the defense. As such, free agency is an essential period where the Falcons can target upgrades that will allow them to continue their upward trajectory.
But the question remains: who will be the Falcons’ potential favorite in free agency?
Potential Free Agent Target: The Impact of a Key Signing
The Falcons’ offense revolves around the run game, with the team boasting one of the top rushing attacks in the NFL, led by running back Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, and quarterback Desmond Ridder’s ability to make plays with his legs. The offensive line, including Dalman, has been a significant part of the team’s success on the ground, but the passing game needs to be addressed. This could be the focus of the Falcons’ free agency strategy.
When we talk about a potential “favorite” player to target, it’s essential to consider who would fit well within the team’s existing culture, complement the current roster, and be a significant upgrade in a position of need. In this case, a wide receiver might be the most obvious and impactful choice for the Falcons, especially considering their relative weakness in the pass-catching department.
Given this, a wide receiver such as JuJu Smith-Schuster could be the perfect free agent signing for the Falcons. Here’s why:
JuJu Smith-Schuster: The Ideal Free Agent Target for the Falcons
JuJu Smith-Schuster, who has played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and, more recently, the Kansas City Chiefs, has established himself as a dependable and dynamic wide receiver. He might be the perfect addition to an offense like the Falcons’ for several reasons.
- Proven Track Record and Experience Smith-Schuster has proven to be a versatile and reliable wide receiver in the NFL. After entering the league in 2017, he quickly became one of the league’s premier young receivers with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His best year came in 2018 when he recorded 1,426 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to be a number one receiver on a potent offense. After a one-year stint with the Chiefs, where he won a Super Bowl, Smith-Schuster has continued to be productive, providing a solid threat in the passing game.
His experience, particularly playing alongside talented quarterbacks like Ben Roethlisberger and Patrick Mahomes, makes him a valuable asset in the locker room and a trusted leader. For a team like the Falcons, which is still in the process of developing their offensive identity, adding a player like Smith-Schuster with a winning pedigree would help accelerate their growth.
- Skill Set and Fit in the Falcons’ Offense JuJu Smith-Schuster is known for his strong ability to run precise routes, making him an excellent fit for a team like the Falcons that aims to have a balanced attack. With a strong emphasis on the run game, Atlanta could use a receiver like Smith-Schuster to open up passing lanes, creating opportunities for quarterback Desmond Ridder to develop his skills and improve the passing game.
Furthermore, Smith-Schuster has shown the ability to work well in both the short and intermediate passing game, which would mesh perfectly with the Falcons’ offensive system. His reliability in the slot would give Ridder a trustworthy target over the middle of the field, and his ability to make defenders miss after the catch would be a valuable asset in an offense that aims to maximize YAC (yards after catch).
- Adding Depth to the Wide Receiver Group The Falcons’ wide receiver corps has been a bit underwhelming in recent years, with players like Drake London showing flashes of potential but lacking consistent production. Adding a player like Smith-Schuster would provide immediate depth and help take some pressure off London. A proven receiver who can make plays will provide a more balanced receiving core and give Ridder additional weapons to work with.
With the addition of Smith-Schuster, the Falcons could pair him with London to create a dynamic duo on the outside, improving their offensive balance and increasing the overall efficiency of their passing game. This would also help the young quarterback by giving him two reliable targets in critical situations, while opening up space for the running backs.
- Leadership and Locker Room Presence JuJu is known for his outgoing personality and leadership qualities, both on and off the field. His presence in the locker room would help foster a positive, competitive atmosphere for the Falcons, especially as they continue their rebuilding process. The Falcons have some young stars like London, Kyle Pitts, and Ridder, and a seasoned professional like Smith-Schuster would be an excellent mentor for them as they continue to develop.
A Bright Future for the Falcons with Smart Free Agency Moves
The addition of a player like JuJu Smith-Schuster could be a game-changer for the Atlanta Falcons as they look to strengthen their roster during free agency. While Drew Dalman continues to develop and solidify his place in the team’s offensive line, adding a reliable pass-catching option would open up a world of possibilities for the Falcons’ offense. With the combination of a strong run game, a developing quarterback, and the potential addition of a star wide receiver, the Falcons are poised to become a much more dangerous team in the years to come.
By making savvy free agent signings, the Falcons can help ensure that they don’t just rely on Dalman’s progress but also create an offense that balances both the run and the pass, improving their chances of making a deeper playoff run. Whether it’s Smith-Schuster or another impact player, the key will be making moves that push the Falcons from being a competitive team to one that can truly contend for championships.