Falcons Favorites to Sign Bengals DB Jessie Bates III in Free Agency: Source

The latest news and insight on the Atlanta Falcons ahead of the start of NFL free agency, including updates on Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates III.

The Atlanta Falcons are set to enter the free agency period with more money to spend than they've had in several years.

Atlanta currently sits with $65 million in cap space, second-most in the league ... and is eyeing a big target.

A source confirmed to Sports Illustrated's Falcon Report that the buzz within league circles following the NFL Combine centered around Atlanta being the favorite to sign Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates III once free agency begins March 15.

This was confirmed by ESPN, who wrote that the Falcons are expected to "target a big-name safety," noting that Bates III would "fit nicely."

The idea of the Falcons being interested in Bates III is, by in large, one of the "worst-kept secrets" of this cycle.

As is the case in free agency, anything can happen once the legal tampering period opens Monday at 12 p.m. EST ... but as things stand, the Falcons appear well-positioned to make a run at Bates III.

According to Spotrac, market value for Bates III is a four-year, $56.2 million contract worth just over $14 million annually.

Should the buzz result in an agreement, Bates III would slide into the starting free safety role from Day 1 while Richie Grant would be able to play as more of a traditional strong safety.

Of note, Bates III is represented by agent David Mulugheta, who also represents Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts and cornerbacks A.J. Terrell and Casey Hayward. The group had dinner together several weeks ago.

Also in the news, the Falcons have checked around the free agent running backs market, including making calls on Minnesota Vikings ballcarrier Alexander Mattison, per source. The individual calls on Mattison didn't make great progress but there was a level of interest.

Finally, per ESPN, Atlanta "would like to keep" starting right tackle Kaleb McGary and has made a "good-faith effort" to do so. The Falcons opted not to give McGary the franchise tag ahead of last Tuesday's deadline.

Will the Falcons sign Bates III? Or what about Mattison or McGary?

The final answer will be in soon enough - but it's certainly something to monitor during this all-important free agency.

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You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft

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