Fansided

10 NFL teams who could change their fortunes via Free Agency

By Andrew Garda

Feb 22, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh takes in the game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Ohio State Buckeyes at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh takes in the game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Ohio State Buckeyes at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 28, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) runs against Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) during the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) runs against Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) during the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Falcons

Overview: Last season saw the Atlanta Falcons reboot their defense. This season it’s…more rebooting on defense. With $32,648,536 in cap space, the Falcons are in OK shape to once again chase some defensive talent, even with $7.6 million in dead money.

Of course, given the disappointing outcome last season, it stands to reason they might be more cautious this time out. Still, this is a team with an explosive offense and some solid defensive pieces, so a bounce-back seasons seems possible. The biggest question is what happened the last two years and will a coaching change really turn that around? And can that be effected via free agency?

Pros: On the plus side, Atlanta can spend its money on defensive players, with perhaps a smattering of decent and inexpensive receivers or offensive linemen. With Matt Ryan and Julio Jones the basis for your offense you’re in good shape. And in fact, it wouldn’t be insane to see then go receiver in the draft, which would potentially earmark more cash for the defensive side of the ball.

There are a ton of solid defensive line and linebacker options for their new formation—more at the linebacker spot probably. They are also in need of some cornerback depth so we’ll see if they dip their toe in there as well.

Cons: Before they start throwing stacks of cash around, they need to take a long look at what that did (or didn’t do) for them last year. And after that, they may be a bit gun-shy about repeating that methodology. And while they will probably look for a receiver in the draft, aside from Julio Jones, this is a team which is thin at the position—dangerously so really.

Roddy White is aging, Devin Hester is not a consistent receiver and nobody else is worth noting. They may need to address the receiver position in free agency to get a reliable veteran, which might limit the amount they have for defense. And if they can’t turn defense around, we could have another tough year for Falcons fans.

Next: Chicago Bears

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