5 quick takeaways from Falcons’ Fontenot, Smith end-of-season press conference
FLOWERY BRANCH — Here are five quick takeaways from what Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot and coach Arthur Smith had to say Wednesday in their press conference:
1. Is Desmond Ridder the quarterback of the future? Smith was not ready to make that declaration but said the quarterback’s four-game audition was “promising.” The Falcons appear to be high on Ridder’s 2-2 record. “What we appreciated about Desmond is the way he handles himself,” Fontenot said.
2. The offseason process: The Falcons have moved into their next phase of rebuilding, Fontenot said. The Falcons will have nearly $70 million in salary-cap space. He said risk assessment and making sure a player is the right fit will be key to their free-agency evaluations.
3. Marcus Mariota sighting: Marcus Mariota, who left the team after he was demoted after 13 games as the starting quarterback, was in the building Monday for his exit interview and physical. Smith said no decision has been made about his future.
4. Roster building: Fontenot made it clear the Falcons have a young core and that they’ll all need to take a step forward this offseason. There is not a position where they are all set. The team wants to add competition across the board.
5A. Free agency: The Falcons acknowledged that right tackle Kaleb McGary had a strong season. But Fontenot did not want to negotiate in the media.
5B. New defensive coordinator: Smith said he will have a “wide search” to find the new defensive coordinator. He will not be limited to the 3-4 or 4-3 scheme. But he noted the Falcons have a foundation on defense.
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About the Author
Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.
