The Atlanta Falcons Will Have a Competition for a Key Starting Offensive Spot Ahead of the 2024 Season

The Atlanta Falcons signed Kirk Cousins, hoping he would improve their passing offense, which has been lackluster for the past three seasons. They ranked 16th in passing yards and 25th in passing touchdowns in 2021, 31st in passing yards and 27th in passing touchdowns in 2022, and 22nd in passing touchdowns and 26th in passing touchdowns in 2023.

Two starting wide receiver spots are locked in. Drake London will play on the left side. Free-agent acquisition Darnell Mooney will play on the right side. The Falcons currently have the other spot vacant.

The Atlanta Falcons have a vacancy in the slot

The Falcons have a vacancy in the slot previously held by tight end Jonnu Smith. Smith played in the slot in 53.1% of offensive snaps in 2023 and had career highs in receptions, targets, and yards, with 50 receptions on 70 targets for 582 yards and three touchdowns.

Unfortunately, the Falcons released him in February to free up cap space.

In 2022, Jonnu Smith only played in the slot on 27.6% of his snaps:

27 receptions
245 yards (9.1 yds/rec)
0 TDs

In 2023, he played in the slot on 53.1% of his snaps

50 receptions
582 yards (11.6 yds/rec)
3 TDs

Can be a good TE when played in the right role.

— Cooley’s Takes (@Cooleystakes) March 6, 2024

Two players will compete for the starting job.

Player #1

The first player competing is Rondale Moore. Moore spent his first three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. He played 39 games with 23 starts and recorded 135 receptions on 182 targets for 1,201 yards and three touchdowns.

The Cardinals traded Moore to the Falcons this offseason.

Player #2

The second player competing is Ray-Ray McCloud III. McCloud is on his fifth team and is in his seventh year in the league. He has played 77 games with 11 starts and recorded 90 receptions on 134 targets for 768 yards and one touchdown. He also has 108 kick returns for 2,438 yards and 138 punt returns for 1,326 yards.

McCloud received first-team reps in the slot during OTAs and mandatory minicamp, but that could change.

Who wins the slot/WR3 competition? Will Rondale Moore win, or will Ray-Ray McCloud III win?

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