Falcons, 3 Teams That Could Push for NFL Contender Status After Latest Roster Moves

The Atlanta Falcons may be coming off three consecutive 10-loss seasons, and you're allowed to doubt quarterback Kirk Cousins' ability to turn the franchise around considering he's 35 and returning from a major injury.

However, it's hard not to look at their roster and consider them to have a legitimate shot at contending this upcoming NFL season, especially after a pair of high-profile late-offseason moves that bolstered a defense many previously viewed as an Achilles' heel.

With that in mind, let's look at what the Falcons have done to increase their Super Bowl chances and discuss a few other teams that have made moves in the summer that have aided their outlook for 2024.

Atlanta Falcons

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Matthew Judon

A pair of one-year prove-it scenarios.

That's what the Falcons are looking at with new defenders Matthew Judon (acquired from the Patriots last week in exchange for a third-round pick ahead of a contract year) and Justin Simmons (signed to a one-year, $8 million contract one day after the Judon deal).

This wasn't a horrible defense last year, but it lacked bite with just 16 takeaways. And the pass rush was a concern even before Bud Dupree's departure.

Now, they've got an edge presence who is a season removed from a 15.5-sack campaign and a highly accomplished 30-year-old safety who was a second-team All-Pro with the Broncos last year.

The ceiling is at least considerably higher for this unit, which will be under a fresh set of eyes in the form of new head coach Raheem Morris and already contained standouts Jessie Bates III, Grady Jarrett and A.J. Terrell.

Combine that with the high-priced addition of the sometimes-elite Cousins and the talent elsewhere on offense (namely Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts) and the ingredients could well be there for success in Atlanta.

Minnesota Vikings

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Stephon Gilmore

Losing J.J. McCarthy for the season could be a blow for the Minnesota Vikings, but not necessarily in the short term.

The rookie first-rounder would have needed time, and the Vikings could well be in better hands this year with the still-young and still-talented Sam Darnold running the show under center.

In support of Darnold, Minnesota has eliminated potential distractions and created short-term financial flexibility this spring/summer by extending key offensive cogs Justin Jefferson and Christian Darrisaw.

And more recently, the Vikings have addressed a potentially weak secondary by signing veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore and swapping disappointing cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. for Nahshon Wright, who has had a slightly greater NFL impact than Booth despite failing to impress with the Cowboys.

Gilmore, 33, isn't the player he once was, but he was still solid in coverage in 2023. His arrival comes not long after Minnesota also added experience at the same position group by signing Fabian Moreau and Bobby McCain.

By no means are the Vikes suddenly a hot Super Bowl pick, but these somewhat under-the-radar tweaks could make a significant difference in a surprise season for a team that is only a year removed from a 13-win campaign.

Tennessee Titans

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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 30: Jamal Adams #33 of the Seattle Seahawks lines up during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on November 30, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

The Tennessee Titans remain a long shot in 2024, but there's an element of "you only live once" surrounding a team that could have the right pieces in place to disrupt a potentially wide-open division if quarterback Will Levis can deliver as a sophomore.

This summer, the Titans have added three well-known veterans who may be beyond their prime but could bring some late-career leadership and possibly even some jolts to the team.

Jamal Adams is a three-time Pro Bowler and still just 28 years old, while 31-year-old Shane Ray once had an eight-season campaign in Denver and could be motivated in what is likely his last NFL shot. Quandre Diggs is coming off a 95-tackle age-30 campaign in Seattle.

Those guys might not put Tennessee over the top, but if they can click in an experienced defense and Levis can excel thanks in part to a battle-tested receiving corps featuring Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd along with the returning DeAndre Hopkins, who knows.