Atlanta Falcons Rumors & News - Pro Football Rumors

Falcons Re-Sign Cordarrelle Patterson

March 19th, 2022 at 11:35am CST by Ben Levine

Cordarrelle Patterson will be back in Atlanta next season. The versatile running back/wideout is re-signing with the Falcons, reports NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo (via Twitter). It’s a two-year, $10.5MM deal, according to ESPN’s Michael Rothstein (via Twitter).

Patterson made a name for himself on special teams early in his career, but he took on a significant offensive role in 2021. Signed to a one-year deal worth $3MM, Patterson supplanted Mike Davis as Atlanta’s top running back early in the season. In 16 games (13 starts), Patterson finished with 1,166 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns on 205 touches. Thanks in part to his on-field production, Patterson became a fan favorite, and the Falcons made it clear after the season that they wanted to retain the veteran.

“From our standpoint, we’d love to have [CP] back,” owner Arthur Blank said in February. “We saw the same thing that you saw on the field. I think this is a very talented player, a very talented athlete. This is a good example of when a coach understands the scheme – which he does, Coach Smith – and he takes an athlete like this and can use him in a variety of ways I think you see the kind of production that he can have. He’s a terrific young man. He’s great with the fans. He’s great in the locker room. He’s a real competitor… I hope that he’ll be a Falcon this time [next] year.”

The 2013 first-round pick spent the first four seasons of his career with the Titans, earning a pair of All-Pro nods for his kick-return prowess (in four seasons with the organization, Patterson returned five kickoffs for scores). Patterson later had stints with the Raiders, Patriots, and Bears.

With Patterson back, the Falcons will move forward with a running backs room that also includes Davis and recent free-agent signing Damien Williams. Atlanta is also rostering Qadree Ollison, and Caleb Huntley.

Falcons Re-Sign Cornerback Isaiah Oliver

March 18th, 2022 at 9:51pm CST by Ely Allen

After ending his 2021 campaign early with a season-ending knee surgery after only four games, cornerback Isaiah Oliver will return for at least one more year in Atlanta. The team announced the re-signing on their website, giving what is essentially a one-year tryout for the former second-round draft pick.

Throughout the first three seasons of his career, Oliver failed to find consistent success playing on the outside. Especially when AJ Terrell showed up on the other side of the field, Oliver was picked on, allowing quarterbacks a 75.6% completion rate and allowing receivers 12.5 yards per reception.

Defensive coordinator Dean Pees noticed that Oliver was able to find success in the slot, reminding him of former nickel corners that he coached like former-Raven Ladarius Webb and former-Titan Logan Ryan. The Falcons began rotating him into the slot near the end of the 2020 season and felt good about his play. He was set to put forth the best season of his career until his injury in a Week 4 matchup with Washington. Pees attempted to replace Oliver’s production in the nickel role, but failed to find a substantial replacement.

It’s a win-win scenario for both sides. The Falcons get a corner they are familiar with on an affordable deal with limited cap space. Oliver gets a single season at a position he’s shown he can excel at for a chance to earn a more lucrative deal.

Baker Mayfield Targeting Colts In Trade; Seahawks Eyeing QB

March 18th, 2022 at 5:19pm CST by Sam Robinson

After the Browns ended Baker Mayfield‘s four-year tenure as their starter by trading for Deshaun Watson, the former No. 1 overall pick figures to be an option for another team in need of a QB1. Mayfield has his eye on another AFC team.

Mayfield would prefer to be traded to the Colts, Jeff Howe of The Athletic reports (on Twitter), and has informed the Browns of his ideal destination. One season remains on Mayfield’s contract, with the Browns having picked up his fully guaranteed fifth-year option — worth $18.9MM — last year. The Colts have shown interest in Mayfield, James Palmer of NFL.com tweets, but no notable discussions have occurred yet.

The Colts make sense as a Mayfield destination. They ditched Carson Wentz after one season and do not have a first-round pick, which the team sent to Philadelphia in the Wentz deal. Prior to Mayfield requesting a trade Thursday, the Browns were willing to work with their now-former starting quarterback in a trade. However, they were not prepared to accommodate his trade request Thursday. Of course, that was before Cleveland came in with a market-reshaping offer for Watson. Mayfield is now expected to be moved. His lack of a no-trade clause could prompt the Browns to move him to an NFC team, so it will be interesting to see how the team treats its longtime starter on the way out.

Indianapolis could easily fit Mayfield’s salary onto its payroll; the team created plenty of cap space by unloading Wentz. The Colts lead the NFL in cap space, at nearly $40MM, and have a glaring need at quarterback. Mayfield would obviously be an upgrade over anyone presently on the Colts. The Colts have a playoff-caliber roster, which features NFL rushing champion Jonathan Taylor. Though the team needs pass-catching help, Mayfield is undoubtedly intrigued by the talent in Indy.

The Seahawks lurk here as well. They emerged as a possibility for Mayfield earlier this week, and USA Today’s Josina Anderson tweets they have inquired on both Mayfield and Matt Ryan. Seattle would prefer an experienced QB, Anderson adds. While Pete Carroll indicated the Seahawks were fans of Drew Lock as a prospect, he bounced in and out of the Broncos’ starting lineup during a rocky three-year tenure. Ryan’s contract remains onerous for the Falcons to trade, and without Watson in the picture, Atlanta greenlighting a 15th season with Ryan would make sense financially.

Panthers Out In Deshaun Watson Sweepstakes

March 17th, 2022 at 8:16pm CST by Ben Levine

And it’s down to two. The Panthers have been informed that they’re out in the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (via Twitter). That leaves the Falcons and Saints as the final remaining suitors for the Texans QB.

Carolina had been connected to Watson for the better part of a year, and they were one of the four teams to meet with the QB. We learned earlier today that the Browns were the first loser of the Watson sweepstakes, and now we can include the Panthers to the list.

While the Browns find themselves in a messy situation following the fallout from Watson’s decision, the Panthers won’t really have to deal with those kind of issues, and they’ll still probably be in the hunt for a QB. Sam Darnold struggled during his first season in Carolina, with Cam Newton and P.J. Walker also getting looks in 2021.

So when will we get a resolution on the Watson trade? We may have to wait through the weekend, according to Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com. The reporter writes that the QB “will take some time to think things over,” and he could use the weekend to make his decision. The Falcons bought themselves some extra time earlier tonight when they delayed Matt Ryan‘s impending roster bonus. Meanwhile, the cap-strapped Saints have continued to carve out some space for a potential trade.

Falcons Delay Matt Ryan’s Roster Bonus

March 17th, 2022 at 7:44pm CST by Ben Levine

Matt Ryan will have to wait a few extra days to get paid, and he’s also buying the Falcons some extra time in the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter (on Twitter), the Falcons have pushed back Ryan’s $7.5 million roster bonus from Friday to Tuesday.

This will provide the Falcons with a bit more flexibility as they pursue a trade for Watson. Ryan’s impending bonus would complicate a corresponding trade, but the extra few days means Ryan’s hypothetical suitor wouldn’t have to get as creative with the cap.

The Falcons haven’t processed the restructured contract that Ryan agreed to last week, providing the organization with even more flexibility in trade talks. The veteran QB reportedly reduced his sizable cap hold, opening $12MM in cap space for the Falcons.

Atlanta is one of three teams still in the running for Watson (along with the Saints and Panthers). The organization informed Ryan last weekend of their plans at quarterback, but it remains to be seen if the 14-year vet will stick around if the Falcons don’t acquire Watson. Ryan went 7-10 as a starter this past season, tossing 20 touchdowns vs. 12 interceptions.

Falcons Host Tre’Quan Smith, Nick Easton

March 17th, 2022 at 5:57pm CST by Sam Robinson

Still in contention to acquire Deshaun Watson, the Falcons continue to meet with potential supporting-casters for him (or Matt Ryan). In addition to its Jarvis Landry meeting, Atlanta is hosting wideout Tre’Quan Smith, D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution notes.

A four-year Saints cog, Smith arrived in Atlanta on Thursday. The Falcons are also meeting with ex-Saints offensive lineman Nick Easton, Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com tweets. Easton spent two seasons with the Saints.

The Saints and Falcons are viewed as the favorites for Watson, who has also met with the Panthers. The winner of these sweepstakes will be sending the Texans a historic trade package, one that is expected to include three first-round picks and additional assets. Watson’s $39MM-per-year contract will also be on an NFC South team’s books soon, creating a need for some cost-effective contributors. Smith and Easton qualify.

Although a Smith touchdown doubled as one of Drew Brees‘ record-setting sequences, he could not establish himself as a consistent weapon in New Orleans. The former third-round pick did not have a 500-yard receiving season in four Saints years, with injuries intervening at points as well. Smith missed six games last season and caught 32 passes for 377 yards and three touchdowns. The 6-foot-2 Central Florida product does have 17 career TD grabs, however.

Calvin Ridley‘s gambling suspension and Russell Gage‘s Buccaneers defection leave the Falcons quite thin at receiver. Landry remains unsigned. Even if the five-time Pro Bowler joins the Falcons, they will need additional help at the position.

Easton spent last season out of football but has extensive experience as a starter. The Saints added the ex-Vikings guard starter as a swing player but used him as a 15-game starter during the 2019 and ’20 seasons. Easton’s market stalled in April 2021, and his year away surely will limit his opportunities. But the Falcons are interested. Pro Football Focus rated Atlanta’s O-line 27th last season, with rookie left guard Jalen Mayfield drawing one of the site’s worst overall grades. Right guard Chris Lindstrom fared much better, but the Falcons could still use help up front.

Falcons Sign RB Damien Williams

March 17th, 2022 at 5:50pm CST by Ben Levine

Damien Williams is taking his talents to Atlanta. The free agent running back is signing with the Falcons, reports NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (via Twitter).

Williams is inking a one-year deal with Atlanta. Doug Kyed of PFF tweets that the deal is worth $1.62MM, including a $500K signing bonus. ESPN’s Field Yates tweeted earlier today that the running back was set to meet with the Falcons organization.

The 29-year-old spent the 2021 season with the Bears, but his numbers were a far cry from what he put up during his stint with the Chiefs. After collecting 1,127 yards from scrimmage and 13 touchdowns in two years with Kansas City, Williams finished 2021 with only 267 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns in 12 games (two starts). However, the RB clearly made an impression on former Bears GM Ryan Pace, who is now working in Atlanta’s front office.

Williams spent the first four seasons of his career with the Dolphins. It’s been a while, but the RB also had a stint as a kick returner during his time in Miami.

In Atlanta, Williams will be joining a depth chart that was led by free agent Cordarrelle Patterson last season. At the moment, Atlanta has Mike Davis, Qadree Ollison, and Caleb Huntley under contract.

Falcons To Sign Casey Hayward

March 17th, 2022 at 11:37am CST by Zachary Links

The Falcons have agreed to sign Casey Hayward (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport). The veteran cornerback will receive a two-year, $11MM deal, keeping him under club control through the 2023 season.

Hayward spent the past five seasons with the Chargers, up until he was released in 2021. At the time, the move came as a surprise. Hayward’s first deal with the Bolts — three years, $15.3MM — produced two Pro Bowls and a second-team All-Pro nod. Ultimately, they bailed on the rest of his three-year, $34.25MM re-up, leading him to the rival Raiders.

Hayward, 33 in September, led the NFL with seven INTs in 2016. He’s slowed down a bit in recent years, though he did start in all 17 of his Raiders games last year, notching 46 tackles, one interception, three tackles for loss, nine passes defensed, and a safety.

The move will help to fortify the Falcons’ secondary, though Heyward is likely ticketed for a supporting role. The Falcons are still expected to target CB help in the draft next month, where they could use the No. 8 overall pick to take a top-ranked cover man like Cincinnati’s Ahmad Gardner.

Saints, Deshaun Watson Meet Again

March 17th, 2022 at 9:15am CST by Zachary Links

The Saints met with Deshaun Watson for a second time on Wednesday night, according to Nick Underhill (on Twitter). Meanwhile, Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network (Twitter link) hears that the decision is ultimately expected to come down to the Saints and Falcons.

Watson holds a no-trade clause and, therefore, effectively holds the cards. Wilson hears that the Saints have been working hard to get the Texans quarterback on board and they may be on the verge of getting the go-ahead.

Last night, we heard that Watson was “incredibly torn” about his decision after meeting with all four clubs. In addition to the Falcons and Saints, the Panthers and Browns have also been in trade talks with Texans GM Nick Caserio.

It’s also worth noting that the Saints have restructured the contracts of quarterback Taysom Hill, cornerback Bradley Roby, linebacker DeMario Davis and safety Malcolm Jenkins, as Field Yates of ESPN.com (Twitter link) notes. Between those moves and other restructures, the Saints now have roughly $30MM in cap room, which would be enough to absorb Watson’s contract.