Falcons Wanted Jalen Reagor Before Patriots Signing

Searching for receiver depth, the Atlanta Falcons were reportedly interested in signing former first-round receiver Jalen Reagor, who ultimately chose the New England Patriots.

Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot and coach Arthur Smith have been in the market for a receiver since establishing their initial 53-man roster on Tuesday - and nearly turned towards a former first-round pick to satisfy their pursuit.

According to Minnesota's 5 Eyewitness News, the Falcons were interested in signing receiver Jalen Reagor before he joined the New England Patriots' practice squad.

Other teams interested in signing Reagor include the Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys.

Reagor was selected No. 21 overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2020, an oft-criticized move as he went just one pick before now-star Minnesota Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson.

The 24-year-old Reagor, known for his speed, caught 64 passes for 695 yards and three touchdowns across 28 games and 24 starts with the Eagles before being traded to the Vikings just days ahead of the 2022 season.

During his lone year in Minnesota, Reagor caught eight passes for 104 yards and a touchdown while playing in all 17 games and holding punt return duties.

Considering Reagor signed to New England's practice squad, it's likely that Atlanta - or any of the other five teams who were interested - didn't offer him an active roster spot.

The Falcons' practice squad currently consists of three receivers - undrafted rookie and preseason standout Zay Malone, former XFL player Mathew Sexton and recently signed C.J. Saunders, who may have filled the vacancy left by Reagor's decision to go elsewhere.

Atlanta opted to carry only five receivers, and with Reagor's big-play ability and special teams background, he certainly fits the bill of a player who could've received his fair share of gameday elevations.

Still, the Falcons will roll into this year confident with what they have at receiver, with ascending veteran Mack Hollins putting together a strong offseason and joining budding star Drake London to create a steady duo.

Behind them stands KhaDarel Hodge and Scotty Miller, a pair of proven pass catchers who should be reliable targets for second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder.

There's also former undrafted signee Josh Ali, who developed chemistry with Ridder over the offseason and will enter his second professional campaign riding high after holding off the field to win the No. 5 wideout spot.

And so, while the Falcons evidently would've liked to have signed Reagor to the practice squad, they're more than fine to have swung and missed - but may continue searching for more depth ... because Fontenot and Smith have long stressed that the pursuit to make Atlanta's roster better simply doesn't stop.