The Atlanta Falcons strengthened their edge rusher and safety positions with veteran additions during the preseason, but Bleacher Report’s NFL Scouting Department believes the team should make one more defensive move.
On September 2, Bleacher Report highlighted veteran cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon as the top player the Falcons should “add now.” The report noted, “Adding Witherspoon would provide the defense with another option. He was the Rams’ top corner in 2023, recording three interceptions and a career-high 14 passes defended.”
This marks the second time in three weeks that Bleacher Report has suggested the Falcons sign a veteran cornerback. On August 20, BR’s Matt Holder recommended Atlanta pursue former All-Pro cornerback Patrick Peterson in free agency.
Witherspoon started 17 games for the Los Angeles Rams last season, enjoying what was arguably his best year in the NFL after struggling to find a consistent role with the San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Drafted by San Francisco in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Witherspoon started just four games over four seasons with the 49ers. He later became a regular starter with the Steelers, starting three games in 2021 and beginning the 2022 season in the starting lineup. However, a hamstring injury in Week 3 limited him to just one more start that year, and the Steelers released him on May 17 of last year.
If Witherspoon can replicate his 2023 performance with the Rams, he would be a valuable addition to the Falcons’ secondary. The Falcons currently plan to start Mike Hughes alongside Pro Bowl-caliber cornerback A.J. Terrell in 2024, but many experts, including those at Bleacher Report, believe Hughes is better suited for a reserve role.
Signing Witherspoon could allow Hughes to return to his more familiar No. 3 cornerback position. Last season, Hughes played 33% of Atlanta’s defensive snaps across 15 games.
Adding Witherspoon could be a smart move for the Falcons, who appear to be “all-in” on the 2024 season and should consider adding talent or depth wherever possible.
However, it’s worth noting that if Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot felt the need to add another cornerback, he likely would have done so already. Bleacher Report pointed out that “One weak spot in Atlanta’s starting lineup is at cornerback opposite A.J. Terrell, where Mike Hughes, who was primarily a backup last season, is currently projected to start.”