On Wednesday afternoon the Falcons released LB Dante Fowler Jr. ending his time with Atlanta after two seasons.
Moving on from Fowler is just the latest example of how often the Falcons have missed in free agency and why they can't seem to take the next step toward becoming a contender.
In 2020 the Falcons added Todd Gurley, Dante Fowler, Tyeler Davison, Keith Smith, Sharrod Neasman, Laquon Treadwell, Justin McCray, Blidi Wreh-Wilson, LaRoy Reynolds, Khari Lee, and Edmond Robinson. None of these guys had a significant impact and most of them are no longer with the team.
In 2021, under a new regime in Terry Fontenot and Arthur Smith, the Falcons added Fabian Moreau, Barkevious Mingo, Brandon Copeland, Erik Harris, Duron Harmon, Mike Davis, and Cordarrelle Patterson. Of those only Patterson truly lived up to or exceeded expectations.
If the Falcons want to take the next step, finding wins in the draft is important. But seemingly just as significant is not taking losses in free agency.