In the offseason leading up to the 2024 NFL season, the Atlanta Falcons have been making key moves to upgrade their receiving corps. Head coach Raheem Morris is focused on building a whole new offense with the addition of quarterback Kirk Cousins. Morris emphasized the importance of providing Cousins with better downfield options to complement star receiver Drake London. The Falcons signed receiver Darnell Mooney to a three-year, $39 million deal and acquired receiver Rondale Moore from the Cardinals. These additions aim to provide threats on all three levels of the field and retool the depth behind London, who was the only receiver with significant statistics last season.
Mooney, who topped 1,000 receiving yards with the Bears in 2021, and Moore, with 1,201 receiving yards in three seasons with the Cardinals, bring experience and talent to the Falcons’ offense. The team has also added receiver/returner Ray-Ray McCloud to further strengthen their receiving options. These moves come as the Falcons allowed some receivers to sign elsewhere, emphasizing the team’s commitment to providing Cousins with a strong supporting cast. Morris, who has spent time as an offensive assistant working with receivers, draws inspiration from past Falcons receivers like Roddy White and Julio Jones as he envisions a versatile and explosive receiving corps for his team.
The Falcons have shifted their offensive focus from tight ends to wide receivers, as seen during Arthur Smith’s tenure as head coach. While the team still has 2021 first-round pick Kyle Pitts, they have moved on from veteran Jonnu Smith and signed Charlie Woerner from the 49ers. Woerner, primarily a blocking tight end, will play a larger role in both the passing and running game for the Falcons. The addition of Cousins, known for his success with strong receiver depth in Minnesota, has brought excitement to the team and raised expectations for the upcoming season.
However, the NFL is investigating potential tampering allegations regarding the Falcons’ contact with Cousins before his signing. Despite the ongoing review, Morris expressed confidence in the team’s integrity and decision-making. With the excitement surrounding the hiring of Morris and the addition of Cousins, the Falcons are viewed as the favorites to win the NFC South, despite recent struggles. Morris remains focused on improving the team’s performance and letting the outside expectations speak for themselves. With the upcoming season on the horizon, Morris is optimistic about the team’s chances and looks forward to competing in the highly competitive league.
Greg Auman, the NFC South reporter for FOX Sports, has been covering the Buccaneers, Falcons, Panthers, and Saints for a decade. With a keen eye on developments in the NFC South, Auman provides in-depth coverage of the teams and their offseason moves. His expertise and insights offer fans a comprehensive view of the team dynamics and roster changes that impact the upcoming NFL season. Follow him on Twitter for the latest updates on the NFC South and the National Football League.
