The Falcons had to find a way to add affordable wide receiver help because no matter how aggressively they attacked the draft position, there would be a lack of proven options here.
Auden Tate won’t solve this problem entirely on his own, but he is the Falcons’ most interesting addition to date and a player who could play a significant role in this passing game. Atlanta announced the signing some time ago.
We’ve signed WR Auden Tate to a one-year deal.
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) March 28, 2022
Tate is just 25 years old and at 6’5″ is the height the Falcons are looking for in the position. He’s not a burner, but he’s a physical player with good hands who can step up and take the ball away from defenders , and in college he was a major scoring threat.That hasn’t carried over to the NFL — Tate has only had two touchdowns in his career so far — but Tate did have moments where he really looked good in his four-year career in the league just haven’t come that often and not much happening lately as he’s only managed 17 catches since a 2019 season in which he had 40 catches and averaged 14.4 yards per reception.
However, Cincinnati’s lack of opportunities can be seen in his rear view, assuming he stays healthy after finishing the last three seasons on injured reserve. Tate has a chance to have a big year in a jaded Falcons receiving corps and conceding in the 2023 offseason. Arthur Smith and co are likely to give him a real shot at fighting for a starting spot even after the draft given their lack of options and Tate’s potential, and the former seventh-rounder should at least be a solid reserve even if he can’t push Pass Olamide Zaccheaus, Frank Darby and any rookies the team brings with them. He’ll be one of the most interesting players this summer considering the chance he has in front of him.
Give him a warm welcome to Atlanta and hopefully he thrives with the Falcons.