THE Falcons are in the middle of the 2024 campaign, with a stranglehold on the NFC South. Despite falling to the Saints in Week 10, they still lead the division with a two-game lead over the Bucs.

Raheem Morris and Kirk Cousins ​​have completely transformed the franchise. The club appears ready to finally end its playoff drought. More excitingly, Mercedes-Benz Stadium will finally see a Falcons playoff game.

If there’s one sore spot, and it’s going to end up costing them, it’s the pass rush. The Falcons have gone four games without a sack, have the lowest total in the league and several players individually have more sacks than Atlanta as a team.

This has been a priority for several offseasons, but now that the quarterback position has been solidified for the present and future, the Falcons front office has no excuse not to completely overhaul the pass rush.

Unfortunately, the easiest way to do this, via free agency, is not rich in options. ESPN’s Matt Bowen and Jeremy Fowler recently highlighted the top 25 free agents in next year’s class, and there aren’t a ton of inspiring options.

1. Tee Higgins, WR

2. Trey Smith, G.

3. Jevon Holland, S.

4. DJ Reed, CB

5. Charvarius district, BC

6. Amari Cooper, WR

7. Ronnie Stanley, occupational therapist

8. Sam Darnold, quarterback

9. Haason Reddick, edge

10. Chris Godwin, WR

11. Tyron Smith, occupational therapist

12. Zack Martin, G.

13. Rasul Douglas, CB

14. Asante Samuel Jr., CB

15. DeMarcus Lawrence, Edge

16. Camryn Bynum, S.

17. Khalil Mack, Edge

18. Justin Fields, quarterback

19. Nick Bolton, LB

20. Dr. Greenlaw, LB

21. Garett Bolles, occupational therapist

22. Budda Boulanger, S

23. Diontae Johnson, WR

24. Talanoa Hufanga, S.

25. Cam Robinson, occupational therapist

Of course, Haason Reddick would be an impact addition. However, he is clearly the best edge defender in a very weak class. Every club that needs him will be looking for Reddick, and the Falcons getting into a bidding war isn’t ideal.

DeMarcus Lawrence and Khalil Mack are on the wrong side of 30, but the latter wouldn’t be a bad hire in a mercenary-type role. Lawrence, on the other hand, should not be hit with a 10-foot pole.

When it comes to this list of top 25 free agents, these are potentially the Falcons’ marquee additions. That’s incredibly uninspiring if you’re hoping for a splashy Terry Fontenot signing this offseason.

What’s more likely is that Atlanta will use its first-round pick on a passer and hope for internal improvement. The commercial market might provide an answer, but I wouldn’t hold your breath. There might be a free agent addition, but it won’t be a marquee passer.

It’s a tough pill to swallow, but this pass rush won’t be “fixed” even in 2025. This will be a multi-year project.

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Photographer: Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire