D-Line vs. Secondary: What's Falcons Biggest Defensive Need?

The Atlanta Falcons have several needs going into the offseason.

While the team could eye an upgrade at the quarterback position and could use a pass rusher or two, Bleacher Report has identified the secondary as the biggest need for the Falcons' offseason, more specifically at cornerback.

The Falcons ranked 29th in the league in yards per pass attempt with 6.8, and Atlanta hopes to bring that number down in 2023.

While A.J. Terrell is one of the game's best young cornerbacks, there isn't much depth after him. Casey Hayward was expected to be starting opposite him, but he was limited to six games with an injury. Hayward is under contract for 2023, but the Falcons can save $5 million by cutting or trading him before June 1.

And with a loaded cornerback free agent class, the Falcons may decide to transfer the savings they get from Hayward's contract and move it towards a better free agent.

"With $56.4 million in projected cap space, Atlanta could afford to chase top free-agent corners such as James Bradberry, Jamel Dean, Rock Ya-Sin and Patrick Peterson," Bleacher Report writes. It would be a mild surprise if the team doesn't add at least one proven veteran at the position next month."

But don't be surprised if a veteran free agent is all the Falcons sign. Atlanta could target a cornerback early in the draft like Christian Gonzalez or Joey Porter Jr. to give the team a dynamic tandem at the position.

Follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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