The cornerback group required reinforcement. A.J. Terrell was set to be accompanied by two among Mike Hughes, Dee Alford, and Clark Phillips, but it was evident that the trio needed an additional starting-caliber cornerback to bolster the depth of the unit.
In today’s NFL, defenses typically require three starting cornerbacks, necessitating a minimum of four due to the risk of injuries. With the addition of Hamilton, the Falcons secure a highly experienced veteran capable of stepping into a starting role.
Entering his ninth season in the league, Hamilton most recently spent three seasons with the Cardinals, starting nine games last year. In those nine starts, Hamilton recorded 40 total tackles, defended 11 passes, and secured an interception while appearing in 14 games.
While it may not be the most glamorous acquisition, the new Falcons coaching staff is well-acquainted with his skill set. Raheem Morris spent three seasons in Los Angeles, encountering Hamilton a total of six times. If Atlanta’s new head coach deems him to be a valuable addition, who am I to dispute it?
While I may have preferred a player with a potentially higher ceiling, given the team’s championship aspirations, Hamilton possesses durability, which sets him apart from some of the other top free-agent corners.
Nevertheless, the Falcons should continue their search for another edge defender. Relying solely on a rookie like Jared Verse, Dallas Turner, or Laiatu Latu alongside Arnold Ebiketie, DeAngelo Malone, Lorenzo Carter, and Zach Harrison (in specific scenarios) could be a risky proposition for Atlanta.
The objective is to secure a championship victory. While it’s essential to integrate young talent, depending solely on inexperienced players, particularly in critical positions like edge rusher and cornerback, apart from quarterback, is potentially hazardous.