Free Agency Report Cards: Falcons Earn High Marks

After an eventful free agency, the Atlanta Falcons earned some high praise from Pro Football Focus.

By Jon Alfano

Feb 5, 2024; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry
Feb 5, 2024; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry / John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Falcons appear to be settling down as free agency enters its third week, but they've already dramatically overhauled their offense.

Atlanta's greatest struggle over the past several years has been lackluster quarterback play, but that appears to be a worry of the past as the team signed four-time Pro Bowl selection Kirk Cousins to a four-year deal. Additionally, the Falcons also gave their receiving corps a makeover by signing multiple wideouts, chief among them being former Chicago Bear Darnell Mooney.

After addressing two of their biggest weaknesses this offseason, the Falcons earned a solid A- free agency grade from Pro Football Focus

"Cousins has undoubtedly proven he’s a top 10-15 quarterback in the NFL, and this is the going rate when a player of that caliber reaches unrestricted free agency," PFF writes. "Nonetheless, we just feel like some people are hand-waving the fact he’ll be 36 years old coming off a torn Achilles. That said, his dance moves looked good at the NFL Awards, so clearly his recovery is going well.

"Mooney avoids the one-year flier after a down 2023 season and gets paid a contract that reflects an understanding that his lack of production in recent years wasn’t entirely his fault, with the Bears ranking 32nd in passing yards over his rookie contract. Mooney still separated consistently on film, and now he immediately steps in as a No. 2 option at wide receiver opposite Drake London, winning in different ways than him and tight end Kyle Pitts. A reunion with former Bears general manager Ryan Pace, the man who drafted Mooney in 2020, was a perfect match for all parties."

Earning a grade that high is quite the achievement, as PFF was quite stingy with its grading system. In fact, only five other teams earned an A- or higher, with only the Houston Texans and Washington Commanders receiving an A.

The Falcons may be a step or two away from being a true contender, but they certainly improved and put themselves in great position to win the NFC South this fall.