Here’s every remaining unsigned Falcon heading into free agency

Free agency begins at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, but the rush for teams to re-sign free agents they want to keep around before they hit the open market is already happening. In addition, as of Monday, teams will be able to legally tamper with the agents for free agents across the NFL, effectively jump-starting negotiations with the NFL’s blessing. Of course, this year, teams are already throwing around wild trades and burning up the phones.

The Falcons have been plenty busy, but not in the kind of way that makes fans happy. They’ve cleared out cap space via releases and re-structured contracts, brought back one absolutely key free agent (Matt Bryant) and a useful reserve and special teamer (Blidi Wreh-Wilson). Undoubtedly they’re working on others, but as has ben the case for years now in Atlanta, the ship isn’t leaking and we don’t know what’s coming.

It is fair to assume, based on their own comments, that Taylor Gabriel, Dontari Poe, Adrian Clayborn, and Kemal Ishmael will be allowed to test the open market and will likely find deals with other teams. That’s some real talent being lost—though with the exception of Poe, none of them are going to single-handedly break the team if they’re not effectively replaced—and I hope the Falcons have a good plan to replace them.

I’ve bolded the free agents I expect to return. The Falcons are going to need, if this plays out as I expect, a new starting fullback, starting defensive tackle, rotational defensive end, third wide receiver, and deep reserves at receiver, guard (if they’re not snagging a new starter), defensive tackle, linebacker, and cornerback. That’s a shopping list, and the Falcons should be busy, even if they don’t sign any big names.

Here’s that full list. Those I think the Falcons will re-sign are bolded.

Unsigned

RB Terron Ward (RFA)

RB Terrence Magee (RFA)

FB Derrick Coleman

WR Taylor Gabriel

WR Nick Williams

WR Andre Roberts

TE Levine Toilolo

OT Austin Pasztor

OG/OC Ben Garland

DE Adrian Clayborn

DE/DT Derrick Shelby

DE/DT Courtney Upshaw

DT Dontari Poe

DT Ahtyba Rubin

LB Kemal Ishmael

LB LaRoy Reynolds

LB Jordan Tripp

LB Sean Weatherspoon

CB Leon McFadden

S Ricardo Allen (RFA)

S Sharrod Neasman (ERFA)

Signed

CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson

K Matt Bryant