Atlanta Falcons free agency 2018: Top 5 targets

Atlanta has two certainties at wide receiver in the form of Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu. Those two are fantastic and everybody knows. As for the depth behind Jones and Sanu, that could look a little different heading into 2018. One name of note that will be hitting the free agent market is Falcons’ No. 3 receiver Taylor Gabriel.

Gabriel had previously been jettisoned by the Cleveland Browns before the 2016. Former Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan opted to pick up his former Cleveland wideout in free agency two years ago. In 2016, Gabriel was instrumental in Atlanta’s second trip to the Super Bowl. Last year saw a bit of a regression for Gabriel with the Dirty Birds.

In 2017, Gabriel had 33 catches for 378 yards and a touchdown. While his yards were comparable to that of 2016, his overall explosiveness was not the same. Gabriel had 579 receiving yards on 35 receptions for six touchdowns in his first year in Atlanta. But will Gabriel be back with the Falcons for a third year?

Gabriel signed a one-year deal with the Falcons last year worth $2,746,000. He could come back on a one or multi-year deal at around the same price range. Atlanta could afford him. However, Atlanta does have Justin Hardy who can make plays in the slot. Do keep in mind that Gabriel did regress in his first year sans Shanahan in 2018. He could be back with the Falcons, but it will be interesting to see how the Falcons attack the depth of their receiving corps this offseason.