3 former Atlanta Falcons we’ll miss most in 2024

The Atlanta Falcons front office has done an impressive job locking down their key players. Whether it’s veterans like Grady Jarrett or new additions like Jessie Bates, the team has lost few franchise building blocks over the past three seasons.

However, the team has moved away from a number of key contributors. This offseason, in particular, Atlanta has lost key players who were starters or key pieces of the rotation that they have yet to fully replace. Starting with a fan favorite whose landing point remains a puzzle.

Cordarrelle Patterson has made her frustration with the Falcons and her role very clear. You would think frustration would have kept Patterson from following Arthur Smith to Pittsburgh, but that’s exactly what happened. Bringing Patterson back for another year with the new kickoff rules in place would have been fun.

With Tyler Allgeier and Bijan Robinson both on rookie contracts, the team has gone from fan favorite. Despite his landing spot, fans wish Patterson well and will keep a close eye on the reunions that take place during the first week.

Patterson’s ability as a returner, receiver and guard makes him a valuable piece wherever he lands. A lack of opportunities and poor quarterback play ended his time in Atlanta on a low note. Still, fans appreciate the kindness he brought off the field and the ferocity with which he played every week.

Not bringing back Bud Dupree was a strange decision before the draft. After choosing to draft a quarterback in the first round, the decision is even stranger. Dupree had 6.5 sacks during the 2023 season and contended as Atlanta’s most consistent edge rusher.

Cutting Lorenzo Carter and re-signing Dupree would have made a lot more sense than coming back with Carter and Ebiketie. Maybe the decision is aging well, but for now, it remains a misstep in what has been an interesting offseason in Atlanta.

Campbell leaving Atlanta isn’t surprising considering how his lone season with the Falcons went. However, this is another passer from a group in a very weak position. The veteran is well respected and has brought production and leadership to the defense.

Atlanta would have benefited greatly from managing one more season of Campbell. Considering the veteran’s age and the talent around him, the move to Miami is right. It’s one that provides both a balance between playing time and Super Bowl aspirations.