(Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire)
The Atlanta Falcons are hoping to win the NFC South this coming season with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowler, on board.
While they have some studs on offense, including wide receiver Drake London and running back Bijan Robinson, they could use some reinforcements on defense in order to return to the playoffs.
Atlanta is reportedly bringing in a depth piece in defensive end James-Smith Williams on a one-year contract, per Nicki Jhabvala.
Former Commanders DE James Smith-Williams agreed to a 1-year deal with the Falcons, per his agent @MikeMcCartney7.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) April 8, 2024
Smith-Williams is entering his fifth NFL season, and he played each of his previous four years with the Washington Commanders, where he totaled 7.0 sacks, 31 quarterback hits and 14 tackles for loss.
He has started 27 of his 55 games since being selected in the seventh round of the 2020 draft after playing five seasons at North Carolina State University.
Atlanta went 7-10 in 2023 after winning four of their first seven games, and since they play in the NFL’s weakest division, the door is definitely ajar for them to make the postseason.
They haven’t been to the postseason since the 2017 campaign, the year after they blew a 25-point lead in Super Bowl LI against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.
Cousins is coming off a torn Achilles, and given his mileage, whether he can continue to play at a high level is a legitimate question.
But if he does, he will have some weapons to work with.
Robinson just finished an excellent rookie season, and the Falcons also have a productive tight end in Kyle Pitts and a solid complementary wideout in new addition Darnell Mooney.
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