By: Jake Rajala

The Atlanta Falcons are one of the biggest sleepers in the NFC. The Falcons play in a division with Tom Brady and the LSU Saints, while they also abide in an NFC conference featuring countless young, dual-threat quarterbacks.

If Marcus Mariota or Desmond Riddler can be a modest dual-threat QB like the 2021 version of Jalen Hurts, the Falcons could win several plus games and keep Arthur Smith from meeting the chopping block. With that said, the NFC South team that isn’t completely rebuilding should still help their new QB and add more ammunition. Here are a few remaining free agent targets for the Falcons.

• Cole Beasley

I’d love to see the Falcons target a shifty WR to play across from the explosive Cordarralle Patterson and the rook Drake London. Cole Beasley is unequivocally one of the best diamonds in the rough among all available free agents. He has 82 receptions in each of the past two seasons and he could be a fine security blanket for Riddler or Mariota. The former Bill would also be very helpful when Patterson is lined up at RB. The Falcons could feel happy with Kyle Pitts, Drake London, Beasley, and Patterson in their offensive unit.

• Sheldon Richardson

The former Jets first-round pick Sheldon Richardson is a versatile maniac and he would be a superb fit for the Falcons defensive front. Richardson has seven sacks and 11 QB hits over the past two seasons combined. Richardson and Grady Jarrett would be an amazing tandem in the NFC South.

• Nick Foles

I believe the Falcons QB room is exciting, unique, and Riddler could truly have a high ceiling. Nonetheless, it may be wise to bring in another veteran QB. Nick Foles was recently released and he could be a nice, value signing. Mariota and Riddler aren’t a sure-fire quality starting QB and Mariota has had many injuries in the past. It may be wise for ATL to sign the Super Bowl LII champion before another team signs the Philly hero.

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By: Jake Rajala

The Denver Broncos are rolling the dice with the new sheriff Russell Wilson in town. The Broncos have added Randy Gregory, D.J. Jones, and many other underrated profiles to help the Broncos win their first Super Bowl since 2016. I would love to see the Broncos keep the gas on the pedal in the Tyreek Hill-less AFC West.

With that said, I believe there are a few free agents that could help Denver compete in their frigid division.

• Phillip Lindsay

The Broncos could ink another weapon and RB partner for Javonte Williams in Phillip Lindsay. He would be cheaper than Gordon and he’s still a familiar face. Lindsay is coming off a down season on a Houston team that only had one more victory than the Jacksonville Jaguars. I believe the 27-year-old Lindsay still has that explosive ability and he would be a nice value pickup for DEN.

• Joe Haden

I would love to see Joe Haden chase a SB ring with the mighty Denver Broncos. Haden can nicely replace Kyle Fuller and be a physical CB against imposing weapons like Mike Williams, Kelce, and Waller. It may also seem like Haden could take less money at this stage in his career for the right location. The former AFC North CB had 7 ints from 2019 and 2020 combined.

• Sheldon Richardson

The former Jets first-round pick Sheldon Richardson would be a fine, versatile chess piece for the Broncos defense. Richardson can really win one on one battles and he would be perfect for the Broncos talented defense in non-blitzing situations. He registered 4.5 sacks in 2020 and 2.5 sacks in 2021. He also had 13 QB hits last season (personal best since 2018).

• A.J. McCarron

The Broncos recently signed a backup QB (Josh Johnson) in free agency, but I’d prefer them to sign a more talented QB2. I believe A.J. McCarron would be a fantastic backup QB and he would be able to utilize the fascinating WR trio in Denver better than Johnson in my opinion. The 33-year-old dual-threat QB Wilson missed three games last season and it’s possible that he suffers another minor injury in the gutsy wild AFC west division at some point in the future.

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Intro

Sheldon Richardson entered the league in 2013 as the 13th overall pick in the 1st round by the New York Jets. His career seemed destined for stardom. Richardson won the defensive rookie of the year in 2013, followed by both pro bowl and all-pro first team honors in 2014. However, the early success didn’t last long. His play started to fall as well as the Jets team around him.

Richardson was then traded by the Jets in 2016 and since then he been on three different teams. He now will be looking for this fourth different team in the last six seasons. Richardson can still play and be valuable asset along that defensive line. His skill-set would be best suited for a team contending for a championship at this point.

Below are a few teams that can best use Richardson’s services and be a good fit for both sides.

Teams

Baltimore Ravens – With guys like Aaron Crawford, Derek Wolfe, Braxton Hoyett etc. along the interior defensive-line, Richardson can be added value here. He brings along a ton of experience, including the past two seasons with rival Cleveland Browns and can easily fit across anywhere on the line. He has experience playing the edge spots, that versatility can make attractive to team like the Ravens looking to make that Super-bowl run.

Kansas City Chiefs – Rich get richer? Absolutely! Richardson could be the perfect person to play behind/along side guys like Chris Jones, Derrick Nnadi, Taco Charlton etc. along that defensive-line. Having gone to back to back Superbowls the Chiefs will be looking to re-load and go all-in one more time with it’s currently structured roster.

This would be a great fit for Richardson to use athletic play style under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s system. With not much proven depth behind Jones and Nnadi in the interior defensive-line, Richardson can make for serious playing time with the Chiefs.

Atlanta Falcons – Yes, I know the Falcons aren’t the most favorite of SB contenders out there. However, this team still has what it takes with the immense amount of talent it has on both sides of the ball. New head coach, Arthur Smith will infuse new life into the team thus making them a sneaky good pick.

With that said, this is another spot that Richardson can come in and thrive. Dean Pees and his aggressive defense will create havoc for offenses and Richardson can play anywhere along the line. Pees likes to put his play-makers in the best position possible to do what they do best, make plays! Richardson and Grady Jarrett can be fearsome double-headed monster for opposing offenses.

Tennessee Titans – Not the most appealing of options but this is also a good fit if the price is right. Having just over 6m in salary cap space, this might be a tight squeeze to fit in Richardson. However, if the two sides can come to agreement, Richardson can play along side the younger guys in Teair Tart and Jullian Taylor.

This would be a good learning experience for both Tart and Taylor to learn from a guy like Richardson who has been through the wars. The Titans lacked a pass rush in the 2020 season. They accumulated just 19 sacks the whole season! Yes, 19 sacks which was good for 30th in the league. For context, TJ Watt had 15 sacks by himself. Now, Richardson is not a sack master by any means but he can certainly give that line a much needed infusion of power.

Wildcard pick – New York Jets – This would be a return home for Richardson. The Jets are no where near a contender of any sorts but Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas have something building in NY. Richardson can come back to where he started and help the Jets become relevant once again. Richardson teaming with budding star Quinnen Williams would be an awesome sight to see. I don’t think this particular re-union will come to fruition but hey we’ve seen weirder things happen before.

Conclusion

Richardson has fallen off the cliff steeply over the past few seasons. However, given the right scheme and culture fit he can be more than a serviceable player. Motivation is always key for players who seem to move around quite often.

Players are constantly trying to prove that they still have what it takes to be successful and impactful players. Richardson is no different and will look for a bounce back season in 2021.

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