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5 free agent wide receivers the Falcons could consider

Disclaimer: The statements and opinions regarding players and/or potential future players in the article below are those of the AtlantaFalcons.com editorial staff and are not of the Atlanta Falcons' football personnel unless noted in a direct quote.

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons bring their top three wide receivers from 2024 into 2025 with Drake London, Darnell Mooney and Ray-Ray McCloud III all remaining rostered, but the more options for quarterback Michael Penix Jr., the better.

That's where the draft and free agency come in. Free agency is up first on the calendar, beginning on March 12 with the official start of the new league year. The Falcons' wallet isn't exactly in spending shape just yet — their cap space is in the red by more than $5 million, according to Over the Cap — but with some maneuvering, it could get there. Or at least in better standing.

Below are five wide receivers – four external, one internal – the Falcons could consider if they can make the finances work.

RELATED: Who are the Falcons’ 2025 impending free agents?

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Noah Brown

Noah Brown

Age: 29 years old

2024 team: Washington Commanders

2024 stats: 9 starts, 11 appearances | 35 receptions, 56 targets | 453 yards, 1 touchdown

The interest: What makes Brown appealing is his yards-per-reception history. Through his seven seasons of work, six have featured a double-digit yards-per-reception finish. His career average is 13.3 yards per reception, and his personal best is 17.2 yards per reception in 2023. Since the Falcons have their Nos. 1 and 2 wideouts in London and Mooney, Brown could be a good situational third choice. (Contract info via Over the Cap)

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine

Age: 27 years old

2024 team: Tennessee Titans

2024 stats: 9 starts, 17 appearances | 32 receptions, 60 targets | 497 yards, 9 touchdowns

The interest: Westbrook-Ikhine was a touchdown machine last season, more than doubling his previous season-best total. His nine touchdowns tied for ninth most in the NFL, yet he had the fewest receptions among those with or above him in the rankings. The Titans' go-to wideout was Calvin Ridley, who notched 1,017 yards receiving, but Westbrook-Ikhine was a productive No. 2 option and saw the most end-zone opportunity. Westbrook-Ikhine would be good for the Falcons to have within the 20-yard line, where the offense found success just 54.7% of the time. (Contract info via Over the Cap)

Demarcus Robinson

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Demarcus Robinson

Age: 30 years old

2024 team: Los Angeles Rams

2024 stats: 17 starts, 17 games | 31 receptions, 64 targets | 505 yards, 7 touchdowns

The interest: The appeal for Robinson is a lot like that of Westbrook-Ikhine. Robinson scored a team-high seven touchdowns, though he had the fourth-most receiving yards. He made the most of his opportunities, especially considering he was on the same offense as Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, who were both targeted at least 100 times. Also, Robinson would be a familiar face to offensive coordinator Zac Robinson and head coach Raheem Morris since they overlapped with this veteran in Los Angeles. (Contract info via Over the Cap)

Amari Cooper

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

Amari Cooper

Age: 30 years old

2024 team: Cleveland Browns/Buffalo Bills

2024 stats: 10 starts, 14 appearances | 44 receptions, 85 targets | 547 yards, 4 touchdowns

The interest: It's difficult to say Cooper is no longer in the peak of his career, considering he was a Pro Bowler as recently as 2023. But there was a big dip in production in 2024, with Cooper posting nearly less than half the receiving yards he did the year prior. Nevertheless, the former first-round pick has had such a successful career – seven 1,000-yard seasons and five Pro Bowls – that his experience could be a massive asset to not only the younger wide receivers in Atlanta but also its young quarterback, Michael Penix Jr., as he enters his first full season as the starter. (Contract info via Over the Cap)

Rondale Moore

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In-house pick: Rondale Moore

Age: 24 years old

2024 team: Atlanta Falcons

2024 stats: N/A

The interest: There was a lot of internal excitement surrounding the trade for Moore in 2024. Unfortunately for him and the Falcons, Moore sustained a season-ending injury during training camp, which ended the excitement before it could ever play out. Moore had been earning first-team reps before the injury and seemed destined to have a role in Atlanta's offense. Maybe those flashes of potential within the offense were enough to warrant him a second chance in Atlanta. It certainly would be an interesting battle — again — for the No. 3 spot between Moore and McCloud. (Contract info via Over the Cap)

KhaDarel Hodge

Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Honorable mention: KhaDarel Hodge

Age: 30 years old

2024 team: Atlanta Falcons

2024 stats: 2 starts, 17 appearances | 7 receptions, 12 targets | 131 yards, 1 touchdown

The interest: Hodge may have had limited opportunities on offense, taking just 20% of the snaps, but there's no doubt he always gave his best effort and, more times than not, that was enough. For example, his sole touchdown was a game-winning 45-yard reception in overtime to guarantee the Falcons a Week 5 win. If his offensive efforts aren't enough to re-resign him, then Hodge's special teams efforts are. He has produced even more highlights there, enough to earn him a Pro Bowl bid. So, Hodge is a double-deal steal. (Contract info via Over the Cap)

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