It’s no secret that the Atlanta Falcons have been starving for a real edge rusher. Ever since that 2017 Super Bowl run, when players were injured and performance declined, they’ve been chasing what they lost. Year after year, the defense just couldn’t seal the deal off the edge. It’s been frustrating to watch. However, they’ve finally made a move by signing Leonard Floyd for one year, after his 8.5 sacks or more for five straight seasons. Indeed, that kind of consistency doesn’t come easy in this league. But the problem is, he’s 32. Hence, he’s not the long-term answer for Raheem Morris’ team. So, what’s next?

The 2025 NFL Draft is right around the corner. According to early mock drafts, the Falcons might go after names like Jalon Walker, Mykel Williams, Shemar Stewart, Mike Green, or James Pearce. Talented guys, no doubt. But let’s be honest—they’re still green and raw. So here’s a thought: what if the answer doesn’t come from the draft board, but from free agency?

Rumors say Raheem Morris might already have someone in mind—6’4″ edge rusher Za’Darius Smith, whose career earning is reported to be $88,673,402, per OTC. Yeah, he’s 32. Not exactly young. But for now? He could be the stopgap Atlanta needs until a rookie proves ready to take over.

Last season was indeed rough for Smith. Injuries slowed him down, and that likely played a role in the Lions moving on from him, besides budget issues. Still, you can’t ignore what this athlete brings. He’s a three-time Pro Bowler, one of the league’s most respected linebackers, who has recorded 220 solo tackles, 113 assists, 69 sacks, and two fumble recoveries over his career. In addition, in his Detroit debut, he played over 75% of the snaps and even notched a half-sack in a blowout win over the Jaguars. So, yeah, he’s still got juice. And he could be exactly what Raheem Morris and the Falcons have been waiting for.

But financially, it’s tricky. Smith was due $1.5 million in base this fall, with a $2 million roster bonus and nearly $7 million more due just three days into the league year. That’s a hefty check for a veteran nearing the finish line. So, in this case, a more realistic deal will be somewhere around $4-5 million for one season. Maybe $2 million guaranteed, with a few incentives stacked in. Of course, that kind of deal doesn’t scream long-term, but that’s okay. Sometimes, all you need is a solid bridge. And Smith could be that player—strong, steady, and exactly what Morris’ Atlanta needs right now.

Meanwhile, besides bringing in a top rusher, the franchise could also give up one of their Pro Bowlers in trade.

Raheem Morris and the Falcons could shake hands with the Chiefs

Not only are the Chiefs reeling from their Super Bowl loss, but they are also struggling with Travis Kelce’s uncertain future. The TE has been the heartbeat of their offense, no doubt. But last season, he just recorded 823 yards, his career low. So what now?

Well, as per the reports, Kansas City’s got their eyes on Atlanta’s Kyle Pitts. After all, Pitts made noise right out the gate with over 1,000 yards as a rookie. In addition, he’s still young, dangerous, and waiting to be fully unlocked. So, here’s the kicker—if Raheem Morris’ Falcons don’t extend his deal soon, they might just let him walk. That will open the Chiefs’ window, lining him up with Kelce, giving him an advantage to learn from a future Hall of Famer.

But before that, let’s see when Kelce hangs up his cleats from the NFL!