The Atlanta Falcons’ desperation for a pass rush is likely to end with the team making a blockbuster trade or a surprise signing. Kirk Cousins and the offense are figuring things out just as opposing offenses are figuring out just how little threat the Atlanta pass rush is.

Quarterbacks are allowed to stand back in the pocket going through their reads more than once and jogging for a first down if the right read isn’t there. If Atlanta is serious about making a run into January the team must look at attempting to take a big swing.

Adding a franchise pass rusher is extremely difficult and very unlikely. Still, the moves must be attempted in a conference that is clearly up for grabs. The 49ers and Lions have both stumbled early looking closer to the rest of the pack than they were believed to be. Atlanta needs to swing big at the position with Lorenzo Carter and Arnold Ebiketie both failing thus far. It is Matthew Judon against the world and the Falcons still have no long-term options at the position.

As unlikely as each of these targets are in reality each would make Atlanta a serious NFC contender moving forward.

4 Free agents the Atlanta Falcons should consider during mini-bye week

1. Frank Clark

Yes, there is a reason the pass rusher remains a free agent and hasn’t been able to generate much interest. Clark’s last season in the league was underwhelming and we haven’t seen Clark rush the passer productively since one great stretch with the Chiefs. Still, the Falcons are in no position to turn their nose up at any chance to improve this team’s pass rush.

It isn’t as much about what Clark could do as it is about how bad Arnold Ebiketie and Lorenzo Carter have been. We have played five games and the Atlanta pass-rushing duo has zero sacks combined. Your interior linemen both have at least one and corner Dee Alford got home as well. It is desperation time and that means looking to the trade market and free agency for every possible upgrade.

2. Corey Davis

If Zac Robinson’s offense is going to have as heavy a workload on the receivers as what we saw on Thursday night this team needs more depth. Hodge stepped up and had the best moment of his career. Darnell Mooney and Ray-Ray McCloud both have defied expectations as well. Add a veteran receiver who is not going to make waves but will serve as a great depth piece if needed.

3. Xavien Howard

How is the veteran corner still a free agent at this point in the season? It suggests either a disinterest or something we aren’t fully aware of. Howard isn’t at the top of his game but is still a great depth piece and would fight for a starting role in Atlanta. Dee Alford is dealing with a concussion and Atlanta’s depth was destroyed by Baker Mayfield.

At least do your homework and see if Howard could be a cheap potential fit to step in as the team deals with injuries at the position.

4. Julio Jones

Already this season you put Arthur Blank and Matt Ryan into your Ring of Honor. Who is missing from that group that defined Atlanta football for a decade? Perhaps Jones needs to simply sign a one-day contract and retire a Falcon. Or you could look at a player/coach role to help a young position group.

No matter how it shook out the Falcons are a better team with Jones on this roster or giving the veteran the honor he has earned. So much of Atlanta football for the last decade was Matt Ryan and Julio Jones doing the heavy lifting. Sending Julio out as a Falcon feels right.