3 Bold Predictions for the Falcons Offseason

Arthur Smith's first season as the Atlanta Falcons was filled with its highs and lows. Unfortunately, the inability to win consecutive games caused the Falcons to go 7-10, missing the postseason for the fourth year in a row.

Now, Smith and general manager Terry Fontenot turn to the offseason to strategize a bounce-back plan. They have eight 2022 NFL Draft picks to work with (including No. 8), however, they're an estimated $6.59 million over the cap.

While Smith and Fontenot work on their plan, here's a look at three bold predictions for the Falcons' offseason.

Falcons Bold Predictions

1. Falcons Sign DT Grady Jarrett to Long-term Extension

This offseason would be the perfect time to sign DT Grady Jarrett to a long-term extension / Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Ever since he was drafted in the fifth round back in 2015, Grady Jarrett has been nothing but reliable for the Falcons. A two-time Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro in 2019, Jarrett will be a free agent following the 2022 season. Taking that into account, it makes sense for the Falcons to work on a long-term extension as soon as possible. He carries a $23.8 million cap hit this season, so restructuring that as a part of a long-term extension would help give Atlanta cap relief while locking down a fan favorite. Even if a longer deal may seem risky for a 28-year-old playing big minutes, Jarrett has only missed three games in his seven-year career. As one of the more disruptive DTs in the game, the Falcons should extend the big man sooner than later.

2. WR Calvin Ridley Gets Traded

The Falcons could move on from WR Calvin Ridley this offseason. / Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Calvin Ridley is one of the most exciting wide receivers whenever he takes the field. Having said that, the 27-year-old played just five games last season due to mental health related reasons. Even though Falcons fans can't wait for him to suit up again, GM Fontenot spoke in January about how Ridley's situation hasn't changed. If that's the case as time passes, a fresh start would work best for all sides. Trading Ridley not only gets his contract off the books while opening a roster spot for Atlanta, but a change in scenery may be best for his mental health. Many teams will line up for a wideout who topped 1,300 receiving yards in 2020, so the Falcons should also get a solid return in the process.

3. Falcons Cut RB Mike Davis

The Falcons could cut RB Mike Davis to open up some cap space. / Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Davis signed a two-year deal with the Falcons last offseason to serve as their starting running back. Instead, he was outplayed by the versatile Cordarrelle Patterson, leading to Davis seeing just 138 carries in 17 games. Both Atlanta and Patterson have made it clear that they'd love a reunion next season, which makes Davis expendable if a deal gets done. The Falcons can save $2.5 million by cutting the 29-year-old and even though that may not seem like much, it is for a cash-strapped team. Fontenot can also find a suitable backup RB through the draft or free agency for a cheaper price, which is another solid reason to cut Davis. Besides, he can likely find a bigger role on another RB-needy team.

Sign up for FanDuel Sportsbook today and get your first bet risk free for up to $1,000!

Devon Platana is not a FanDuel employee. The views expressed in his articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.