Atlanta Falcons must sign Jessie Bates in free agency to unlock Richie Grant’s full potential

The Atlanta Falcons will look to upgrade their safety play with the introduction of defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen's new scheme. Richie Grant is expected to be one of their starters and he has the potential to blossom in the split-safety coverages Nielsen is expected to import from New Orleans. But his potential won't be fully unlocked unless the Falcons can add a deep safety such as Cincinnati Bengals' impending free agent Jessie Bates. Aaron Freeman breaks down how Grant and Bates are the perfect safety combo to maximize Nielsen's scheme, where Jaylinn Hawkins figures into the mix, and if the Falcons will re-sign Erik Harris or draft his replacement. Finally, Aaron breaks down why free-agent signings like Bates hold the key to the Falcons' future.

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