Commercial Roof Repair in Atlanta, GA

ATLANTA -- On Monday, the Atlanta Falcons finally showed what the “next phase” of their rebuilding process was going to look like.

It’s how general manager Terry Fontenot described this offseason, where the Falcons would have money to spend for the first time since he and Arthur Smith were hired in January 2021.

“We had a plan from the very beginning and now we’re in the next phase of that,” Fontenot said. “This is going to be a different offseason than we’ve had in the previous years."

The next phase means being competitive in free agency and not having to wait for bargains.

Between the hours of 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., through a trade, a contract extension, re-signing their own players and agreeing to terms with free agents, the franchise spent at least a reported $233 million in life-of-the-contract money on six players.

While the real money to watch is often the guaranteed portion of the deal, this is still a long way from having to restructure and cut players just to get under the cap.

Here's how they did it:

Later Monday night, the team agreed to terms with former Saints linebacker Kaden Elliss (undisclosed).

So the Falcons' true spending will be higher because of Elliss' contract, a potential $2 million in roster bonuses in Jonnu Smith’s contract and the unknown nature of Keith Smith’s contract, but potentially more manageable because a source told ESPN that Jonnu Smith’s contract will be reworked.

The moves created a potential franchise-altering day, perhaps inserting themselves as contenders in the NFC South.

What the deals mean

The Falcons had to upgrade their defense. Last season, they were No. 29 in defensive efficiency (41.23) and defensive expected points added (-71.8), last in in sack percentage per dropback (3.5) and No. 31 in third down defense (45.9%).

In agreeing to terms with Onyemata and Bates, they solved multiple issues.

While Onyemata is 30, he has been remarkably durable -- playing in less than 15 games in a season just once -- and has familiarity with new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen. He’ll be a tone-setter on the line.

Pair him with Grady Jarrett and Ta'Quon Graham and that automatically causes issues for opposing offensive lines and run games. Onyemata had an interior line run-stop win rate of 26.8% -- No. 58 in the league, 20 spots behind Jarrett -- and had 118 run stops against double-teams, No. 14 in the league.

Onyemata got pressure on 5.0% of his pass rushes -- for comparison, Jarrett was at 5.6% -- and when he got the first pressure, opposing quarterbacks had only 2.55 yards per attempt.

In Bates, Atlanta got an elite 26-year-old playmaker in the back end to work with star cornerback A.J. Terrell.

In three of Bates’ five seasons in Cincinnati, he had an opposing passer rating below 78, according to Pro Football Reference. Last season, PFR had Bates allowing a 51.4 opposing completion percentage. In a small sample size, Bates showed proficiency against the run with a 40.7 run stop win rate -- No. 40 among defensive backs.

He’ll be part of the defensive core with Jarrett and Terrell.

Elliss might be the biggest unknown of the group. While he played for the Saints so there's familiarity with Nielsen, he had one season as a productive NFL defender, with 74 tackles and seven sacks last year. It was his first year playing more than a quarter of New Orleans' defensive snaps. He had a pass rush win rate of 12.1% and a run stop win rate of 31.4%. PFR had his opposing completion percentage of 61.3% with no touchdowns allowed in coverage.

By extending Lindstrom, Atlanta did two things: Made the talk about taking care of its own players into a reality, making him the highest-paid average annual salary guard in league history, and provided the offensive line with a player to build around for the next half-decade.

Lindstrom rarely gets penalized -- his first pro holding call came in his fourth NFL season -- and is a quality locker room presence.

Trading for Jonnu Smith gives Atlanta insurance as star tight end Kyle Pitts returns from injury. Smith had his best seasons with Falcons head coach Arthur Smith either as his position coach or offensive coordinator when both were with the Tennessee Titans.

If his production as a No. 2 tight end is similar to what he did in Tennessee -- 41 receptions, 448 yards, eight touchdowns -- that’ll be a benefit.

Re-signing Pinion kept special teams continuity together, plus Pinion had one of his best punting seasons last year with a 45.9-yard average. Keith Smith is a key special teams contributor and can line up in multiple spots offensively.

The key with every move Atlanta made Monday is this: There was familiarity with the player beforehand. Lindstrom, Keith Smith and Pinion were already with the Falcons. Jonnu Smith worked with Arthur Smith in Tennessee. Nielsen coached Onyemata and Elliss in New Orleans, and new secondary coach Steve Jackson was Bates’ position coach for two seasons in Cincinnati.

When the Falcons give out money, they want to know as much as they can, so it’s not surprising the players they targeted and landed.

What’s next

For all Atlanta spent, they still have a long to-do list.

While the exact cap space left remains fluid, the Falcons still have their own top free agent, right tackle Kaleb McGary, unsigned. That will be a situation to watch. There are questions at left guard, too, where last year’s starter, Elijah Wilkinson, is a free agent. The best on-the-roster option is Matt Hennessy, who showed capability there when he started.

In adding Elliss and Onyemata, the Falcons did bring in some front seven help along with re-signing Lorenzo Carter last week, but it's possible Atlanta still does some defensive line and linebacker work.

There’s the possibility of a No. 2 cornerback -- veteran Casey Hayward is coming off a season-ending torn pec -- and the remaking of a wide receiver room with only Drake London, Frank Darby, Jared Bernhardt, Josh Ali and Ra'Shaun Henry under contract.

Plus, Atlanta will add a quarterback beyond Desmond Ridder and Logan Woodside. (Editor's note: The Falcons agreed to terms with quarterback Taylor Heinicke on a two-year deal worth up to $20 million Tuesday, sources confirmed to ESPN's Adam Schefter.)

"We're gonna add to the [quarterback] position, whether it's free agency, the draft or both," Fontenot said at the scouting combine.

Considering Ridder’s relative inexperience, a veteran option could make sense.

So even though Atlanta took multiple steps toward being a contender Monday and spent like it never had, there’s still a lot that needs to be done.

Silly season is upon as as the legal tampering period is in full swing in the NFL, and yes we are writing about it and giving life to the speculation. We indulge from time-to-time when it’s intriguing enough.

Darius Slay — the Pro Bowl cornerback who was cut by the Philadelphia Eagles earlier today — had a cryptic “eyes emoji” response to Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young’s reply to his tweet implying that Slay should head to Atlanta as his next destination following his release.

Nothing but love Philly!! Lets see where we heading next..

— Darius Slay (@bigplay24slay) March 15, 2023

https://t.co/t7vNOLh58c

— Darius Slay (@bigplay24slay) March 15, 2023

Come on home! Make the move. @AtlantaFalcons

— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) March 15, 2023

It could be nothing but some Twitter fun on Slay’s part, but given how aggressive Atlanta has been in the free agent market thus far and the potential roster fit that Slay would be, we can’t help but think that where there’s smoke there could be fire.

Also, we are 1/1 in writing up speculation that proved to be true after talking about how Jessie Bates was seen at dinner with three Falcons players before he eventually agreed to a deal with the Birds when the tampering period kicked off, on Monday.

Slay is coming off of a great stint with the Eagles, where he was part of an NFC winning secondary. He has been named to the Pro Bowl in five of the past six seasons overall, including in both 2021 and 2022, when he recorded three interceptions in each of those campaigns. He also only missed one game in each of the past two years and would in theory be an upgrade for Atlanta at their CB2 spot.

Slay is from Brunswick, Georgia and would presumably be “coming home” if he were to sign with the Falcons.

NORTH PORT, Fla. -- Jared Shuster has been the talk of Braves camp, and he will continue to be in the spotlight as he and fellow prospect Dylan Dodd battle to begin the season as Atlanta’s fifth starter.

The Braves provided some clarity on the rotation battle when Ian Anderson and Bryce Elder were optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday afternoon. The two seemed to be the most logical candidates for the fifth spot, especially after Michael Soroka came to Spring Training with a right hamstring strain.

But while Anderson and Elder have been underwhelming over the past couple of weeks, Shuster and Dodd have been lights-out. As with Huascar Ynoa in 2019, the Braves are leaning toward beginning the season with a hot hand.

Shuster is Atlanta's top prospect per MLB Pipeline, and he has shown his potential while allowing just one run and recording nine strikeouts over 8 2/3 innings this spring. That lone run came courtesy of Bryan Reynolds' homer that accounted for the only hit the 24-year-old left-hander allowed over 3 2/3 innings against what was essentially the Pirates’ Opening Day lineup on Sunday.

Dodd, who ranks as Atlanta’s No. 10 prospect, has allowed five hits and recorded 11 strikeouts over 8 1/3 innings thus far. The southpaw tallied four scoreless innings against a split-squad Orioles team on Monday.

The top prospects' strong outings caused the Braves to alter their original pitching plans for the week. They had planned to have Shuster follow Anderson in Friday’s game against the Red Sox. But because Shuster might have been facing Minor Leaguers by the time he entered, the club determined it was best to have him start the game instead.

With starters now stretched out to pitch into the fourth and fifth innings, there are fewer opportunities for rotation candidates to compile necessary innings in Grapefruit League games. So the Braves decided it was best to give the prospects the chance to prove their recent success hasn’t been a fluke.

Anderson came to camp looking to prove things might be different than they were last year, when he posted a 5.00 ERA through 22 starts and then was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett in August. But command has continued to be an issue this spring, as he has issued eight walks over 7 1/3 innings.

Anderson’s inability to consistently throw strikes has led opponents to regularly allow his changeup to drift out of the strike zone. The 24-year-old hurler is attempting to add a slider to his repertoire to give him a horizontal weapon against right-handed hitters. But that pitch still seems to be in the development process.

The Braves remain optimistic Anderson will get back to where he was during the 2020 and ’21 seasons. Given his 1.26 ERA in eight career postseason starts, his recent struggles are even more baffling.

Elder helped Atlanta win the National League East with some key spot starts last year, and he could continue to be a back-of-the-rotation asset over the next few years. But after he issued three walks in just four innings against the Phillies on Tuesday, the Braves opted to have him make his final preseason preparations in Minor League camp.

The Braves can recall Anderson or Elder if they are needed before the end of camp. But it now looks like Shuster or Dodd will sit in the rotation’s fifth spot to begin the season.

Did you like this story?

In this story:

Mark Bowman has covered the Braves for MLB.com since 2001.

On Tuesday, former Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke agreed to a two-year deal with his hometown Atlanta Falcons to be their backup, according to two people with knowledge of the deal. The contract is worth $14 million — or up to $20 million after incentives. It also includes a $4 million signing bonus, bringing his total guarantees to $6.32 million.

The Commanders also released running back J.D. McKissic and placed an original-round restricted free agent tender, worth $2.672 million, on safety Jeremy Reaves, an all-pro pick on special teams.

The most notable move was the one the Commanders didn’t make with Heinicke.

During his two-plus seasons in Washington, Heinicke started 24 games for a 12-11-1 record. In his 26 total games, he completed 64 percent of his passes for 5,415 yards and 33 touchdowns with 21 interceptions and an 87.5 passer rating. He also led Washington on five fourth-quarter comebacks and five game-winning drives.

Advertisement

Heinicke had been out of the NFL for 16 months and was living at his sister’s house in Atlanta studying for final exams in advanced mathematics when Washington signed him in December 2020 as its “quarantine quarterback” during the coronavirus pandemic. Weeks later, he was called upon to be a backup and then the starter.

“I always told myself I’m going to give myself two years from the last game I play to see if I can get back in it, and I think that’s kind of a good window,” Heinicke said in 2021 of his time away from the NFL. “Those two years were creeping up there. … If I didn’t get the call to get called up [in 2020], I was going to hang it up and start a new chapter in my life.”

Heinicke came off the bench in place of Dwayne Haskins in the fourth quarter of a loss to the Carolina Panthers, then got his first career playoff start against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who went on to win the Super Bowl.

Advertisement

Heinicke’s performance in a close loss to the Bucs landed him a two-year deal. Washington signed Ryan Fitzpatrick as its starter in 2021, only to watch him go down in the season opener with a hip injury. Heinicke started 15 games in his absence and filled in again in 2022 after Carson Wentz suffered a broken finger in Week 6. Heinicke earned the starting job (albeit briefly) and put the team in playoff contention.

But Coach Ron Rivera benched Heinicke late in a Week 16 loss, and Wentz replaced him the following week against the Cleveland Browns. That loss ended Washington’s postseason hopes and probably ended its run with Heinicke, too.

“Yeah, it sucks,” he said of being benched. “You know, every guy in this locker room should feel like they should start. If you don’t, then you shouldn’t be in this league.”

Advertisement

Although Washington said it hoped to keep Heinicke as the backup to Sam Howell, the team wasn’t willing to spend much, and it was clear Heinicke would have options — to earn more and to reset after a sour ending.

McKissic, with whom Washington also cut ties Tuesday, was another 2020 free agent signing who briefly was a key part of the offense. He epitomized the type of player Rivera sought in trying to improve Washington’s roster in his first few years: a less-heralded acquisition who proved more valuable than expected.

McKissic developed into Washington’s third-down back, but the emergence of third-round pick Brian Robinson Jr. pushed McKissic down on the depth chart in 2022, and McKissic’s health became an issue. He suffered a concussion and a neck injury in 2021, and in November 2022 he was placed on injured reserve with the expectation he would undergo months of rehab for his neck. He was released Tuesday with a failed physical designation.

Washington did, however, tender Reaves, giving him a bump in pay from his $965,000 salary last season. Under the original-round tender, Reaves can seek offers from other teams until April 21. The Commanders would then have the right to match whatever offer he might receive and keep him. Should they decline to match, they would not receive any draft compensation in return.

Advertisement

The Commanders could also try to sign Reaves to a longer-term deal. A safety out of South Alabama, Reaves signed with the Philadelphia Eagles after the 2018 draft but was cut before the season. He signed with Washington weeks later and bounced on and off the active roster for four seasons.

Reaves made an impression as a reserve safety when Washington’s secondary was depleted in 2020 and 2021, but he built his career on special teams, primarily as the punt protector. Last season was the first in which he made the initial active roster. He recorded 16 special teams tackles (tied for the second most in the NFL), earned a Pro Bowl selection as the NFC’s special teams player and was voted first-team all-pro.

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- NFL free agency is off and running, and we're keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2023 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts. The new league year begins March 15 at 4 p.m. ET, which means free-agent signings can be made official after that. The first round of the 2023 NFL draft begins April 27 on ESPN.

The Falcons' first move was to re-sign one of their own 25 free agents, defensive end Lorenzo Carter, after he finished second on the team in sacks (four).

Here's a breakdown of every 2023 NFL free agent signing by the Atlanta Falcons, and how each will impact the upcoming season:

Kaleb McGary, OT

The Falcons hung on to right tackle McGary with a deal that will pay $34.5 million over three years, a source told ESPN's Dianna Russini.

What it means: In addition to agreeing to terms with a bunch of free agents from other teams, Atlanta managed to keep its own top free agent around by re-signing McGary to a reasonable contract. This means the Falcons could have continuity on their line for the next few years with right guard Chris Lindstrom and left tackle Jake Matthews inked to long-term deals and center Drew Dalman under contract the next two seasons. Atlanta's run game was one of the league's best last season and often the Falcons ran behind McGary.

What's the risk: McGary essentially had one good season and three questionable ones, so it's worth some concern about which McGary the Falcons will get -- and the Falcons should hope he continues to improve in pass protection. If it's the one who played last year, this will be a good deal. If it's not, there's risk involved. But it once again shows Atlanta is willing to treat its own free agents well while not overpaying to keep them.

Taylor Heinicke, QB

Heinicke agreed to terms on a two-year deal worth up to $20 million, according to sources.

What it means: A lot, actually. A source told ESPN that Heinicke is expected to enter camp as the backup to Desmond Ridder, meaning the second-year pro is expected to be Atlanta's starting quarterback. Heinicke is a veteran who can start games if needed -- he completed 64% of his passes during his time in Washington and went 12-11-1 as a starter the past two seasons there. This gives Atlanta a high-end backup in case Ridder were not to progress as anticipated but also provides some competition in a 29-year-old who can play.

What's the risk: There's not much. The thought was always that the Falcons would at least bring in some competition for Ridder and Heinicke makes perfect sense. He's from Atlanta, has starting experience but also understands the role of a backup if that ends up where he is. At worst, he's a starter who you know you can win games. At best, Atlanta's belief in Ridder is proven out and Heinicke becomes a sensible backup who can help a young player develop.

Jessie Bates III, S

The Falcons and Bates agreed to a four-year deal worth $64.02 million, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

What it means: The Falcons continue to be big free agency spenders now that they have the means to do so, and bringing in the 26-year-old Bates is likely the splash of their class. In Bates, they get a versatile safety who can both cover and handle the run. He has 14 career interceptions and 43 passes defended along with 478 tackles. He could be a centerpiece for new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen and a coaching staff that believes wholeheartedly in versatility.

What's the risk: Any time you give a player a massive contract -- the fourth-highest-paid safety ever, there's risk if he doesn't play up to the level of one of the league's top safeties. But Bates has been healthy throughout his career -- he has played in all but three games -- and there's familiarity with him and defensive backs coach Steve Jackson, the team's new secondary coach who was Bates' position coach in Cincinnati in 2020 and 2021.

David Onyemata, DT

The Falcons have agreed to terms with former Saints lineman Onyemata on a three-year deal worth $35 million, with $24.5 million guaranteed, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

What it means: Onyemata is reuniting with his former defensive line coach, Falcons defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, in Atlanta. The Falcons had to improve their defensive line -- it has been an offseason priority for head coach Arthur Smith -- and in Onyemata they get someone familiar with the coaching staff and a player who can take pressure off defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. Jarrett has faced consistent double-teams (and sometimes triple-teams) the last two seasons. With Onyemata, opponents won't be able to do that.

What's the risk: There's not a lot of risk here. Onyemata has familiarity with some of the staff and has been largely healthy in his career, playing under 15 games in a season just once. If Atlanta wants him to be a high-level pass-rusher, that would be a concern, but his 23 career sacks from the interior are a reasonable number. He has averaged about 60% of snaps in his career, too, so he has shown he can play a lot on the inside as well.

Bradley Pinion, P

The Falcons brought back Pinion on a three-year deal for $8.65 million, per source.

What it means: The Falcons will have continuity at punter -- and within their entire special teams unit as kicker Younghoe Koo, long-snapper Liam McCullough and now Pinion return. Pinion had one of the best years of his career in 2022, averaging 45.9 yards per punt and 41.2 net yards per punt with 23 punts inside the 20-yard line.

What's the risk: Not much. The Falcons signed Pinion last June when he was released by Tampa Bay, and he gave Atlanta everything it wanted from a punting and kickoff perspective. The money isn't massive, either, so it's not like there's a big risk. Overall, a smart signing by Atlanta to keep one of the better special teams operations in the league intact.

Keith Smith, FB

The Falcons are bringing back Smith on a one-year deal, according to his agent. Terms were unavailable.

What it means: Smith is a special teams stalwart for the Falcons, now back for Season 5. He has been a good blocker. Atlanta used him both as a fullback and sometimes lined up in a tight end spot in both 2021 and 2022 under Arthur Smith. The Falcons are going to want to have a fullback on the roster, and Smith is one of the better ones in the league.

What's the risk: Not much. Smith has signed reasonable deals throughout his time with Atlanta, and there's no reason to believe this would be any different. The bigger question will be if Smith gets pushed for a spot this year by tight end Parker Hesse, who could be a fullback, or someone else. But Smith has clear value for Atlanta and is a solid locker room presence.

Kaden Elliss, LB

No terms were available.

What it means: The Falcons continue to add players their staff has familiarity with, adding their second former Saints defender on the day. Elliss, the son of former NFL defensive lineman Luther Elliss, had seven sacks last season in his first year as a full-time defensive player. He should add to an Atlanta pass rush that needs improvement after two years at the bottom of the league. There's versatility, too, as he lined up on both the left and right side of New Orleans' defense at linebacker.

What's the risk: It's always risky to sign a player after one good season -- although not knowing the parameters of the deal makes it tough to say how much of a risk. If Atlanta is looking at Elliss as a rotational player with upside, he's a good signing. Plus, if anyone will know what Elliss is capable of, it's his defensive coordinator, Ryan Nielsen, and general manager, Terry Fontenot, both of whom worked with him in New Orleans.

Lorenzo Carter, DE

The Falcons agreed to a two-year deal with Carter, the team announced.

What it means: Carter was the Falcons' most productive edge rusher last season -- that's not saying a ton since he had only four sacks -- but he was key in setting the edge against the run and brought a lot to what Atlanta wanted defensively even if the stats didn't always match up to it. He also brought a veteran presence to a young room where three of the top four players were rookies or second-year players. It's not surprising Carter, a Georgia native who played college ball at Georgia, is back.

What's the risk: If the Falcons view Carter as a No. 1 or No. 2 edge rusher, that could be concerning considering how unproductive Atlanta's pass rush was a season ago. But it's also a new scheme under Ryan Nielsen and how he plans to handle a front seven is not entirely clear yet. If Atlanta views Carter as a rotational edge rusher along with Arnold Ebiketie and they bring in a top draft pick or free agent signing, this is a good, sensible move.