The Atlanta Falcons are set to lose tight end Austin Hooper to free agency this offseason. It will be a big loss for their offense and the franchise will have to go out and find a new starter. Eric Ebron could come into play.

The Athletic took a look at free agency predictions for the top 100 players available and they have predicted that Ebron will end up signing with the Falcons.

Atlanta has not been shy about pouring resources into the offense. With Hooper likely departing, the Falcons settle on a less expensive option in Ebron.

As the article mentioned, the Falcons would not have to spend big money to bring Ebron in. He is coming off of a rough 2019 campaign with the Indianapolis Colts that saw him catch just 31 passes for 375 yards and three touchdowns. Ebron has a lot more talent than those numbers though.

Back in 2018, the Colts’ tight end caught 66 passes for 750 yards and 13 touchdowns. He may not be able to consistently produce like that, but on a short-term contract that is team-friendly, he would be worth a shot.

Standing in at 6-foot-4 and 253 pounds, Ebron would provide Matt Ryan with a big and athletic target at tight end. He has a very similar skill-set to what Hooper brings to the field.

Dan Quinn and company know that they have to win this season in order to keep their jobs. The hot seat is real for general manager Thomas Dimitroff as well, which could lead to the team searching for bargain deals in free agency. Ebron would fit into that category.

All of that being said, it will be interesting to see what the Falcons end up doing this offseason. They have quite a few holes to fill and Ebron could be the guy that takes over at tight end.