ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons made several moves aimed at improving their 2023 season on Monday.
With a mix of signings, an extension, and a trade, the Falcons worked to improve upon their 7-10 record last season.
To start the day, the Falcons acquired tight end Jonnu Smith in a trade with the New England Patriots, according to NFL.com insider Ian Rapoport. The Falcons sent a seventh-round pick to New England in the trade.
Smith started his career with the Tennessee Titans under current Falcons head coach Arthur Smith when Smith was the offensive coordinator, so there should be some familiarity.
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Then, the team signed guard Chris Lindstrom to a 5-year $105 million contract extension, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Lindstrom was the team’s only player to make the Pro Bowl last season.
Lindstrom, 26, was drafted by the Falcons with the No. 14 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Boston College.
The Falcons also signed defensive tackle David Onyemata to a three-year, $35 million deal, according to Schefter.
Onyemata had five sacks last season for the New Orleans Saints and will bolster the Falcons’ defensive line.
Later in the day, the team signed safety Jessie Bates III to a 4-year $64 million deal, according to Rapoport.
Then, the Falcons bolstered their defense with another former Saint, linebacker Kaden Elliss, according to Rapoport.
Last season, Eliss finished with seven sacks for Atlanta’s division rival.
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The Falcons, who have some of the most cap space in the NFL will likely continue to make moves to improve their roster this offseason.
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