Falcons predicted to sign $13M high-upside AJ Terrell partner with strong Kevin Stefanski ties

The Atlanta Falcons are making moves this offseason like every other team around the NFL. One difference, however, is that Atlanta has also been cutting players to create room for potential free-agent additions. One of the biggest priorities for the Falcons is sorting out their wide receiver room, but they still decided to part ways with Darnell Mooney.

“While NFL teams busied themselves on Monday seeking to add players after the free-agent negotiation window opened at 11 a.m. CDT, the Atlanta Falcons instead released a player with Alabama football roots. The Falcons parted ways with wide receiver Darnell Mooney, making the former Gadsden City High school standout an immediate free agent,” AL.com’s Mark Inabinett wrote.

While Atlanta moved on from Mooney, they did reach an agreement with Tua Tagovailoa on a one-year deal.

“Atlanta's answer at the position is Tagovailoa, who will cost the Dolphins an NFL-record $99.2 million in dead money against the salary cap. A source told Schefter that Tagovailoa's release will be designated post-June 1, allowing the Dolphins to split the dead money over two years,” ESPN wrote.

Although quarterback was an area of improvement, the defense still has some uncertainty. AJ Terrell needs a reliable partner at the CB2 position, and one name with significant potential is Greg Newsome II.

“Traded in the middle of the season from Kevin Stefanski's Browns to the Jacksonville Jaguars for Tyson Campbell, Greg Newsome provided stability for the resurgent defense in the Sunshine State. Mike Hughes is not the long-term answer in Atlanta. Newsome is a higher upside option that brings length and size. It feels like this offseason is about adding complements to the Falcons' stars on both sides of the ball, and reuniting Stefanski with Newsome would do just that,” Blogging Dirty’s Greyson Freestone wrote.

Adding Newsome would make sense for the Falcons, especially with Kevin Stefanski as the head coach. The two previously spent time together in Cleveland, meaning there is already familiarity between the player and the coach, along with a clear understanding of expectations.

Atlanta is looking to get over the hump and return to the playoffs. Having Newsome alongside Terrell could provide the stability the Falcons need at the cornerback position.