Atlanta Falcons free agency 2021: Top 5 targets

Until they get it right, the Falcons need to spend every offseason trying to figure out what combination of players can generate the most amount of pressure. Since John Abraham or Chuck Smith are not walking through that door, the Falcons must find players who can succeed alongside Grady Jarrett who are not going to become the next versions of Vic Beasley or Takkarist McKinley.

One guy who could be coming home the Falcons is Alpharetta, Georgia native Carl Lawson. The Cincinnati Bengals defensive end played his college ball at nearby Auburn University. Before that, he starred in the Metro Atlanta area at Milton High School. While he never lived up to the hype of being a former five-star recruit, Lawson is the type of underrated talent a rebuilding team needs.

Yes, Atlanta does need to free up some more money to sign anybody, not just Lawson. However, we should expect the Falcons’ roster to look considerably different, especially on the defensive side of the ball. You better believe Smith will set up his defensive coordinator Dean Pees with the type of players he wants. If not, then why did the 71-year-old coach come out of retirement?

While the defensive front-seven might be an area where the Falcons use their No. 4 overall pick, or whatever becomes of their No. 4 pick should they trade back, it would not hurt for them to add another piece to it in free agency. In essence, the Falcons would be using Lawson to offset losing defensive end Allen Bailey, who was released last week, along with longtime safety Ricardo Allen.