As the NFL’s free agency period continues, it’s safe to say the Atlanta Falcons have already gotten most of their shopping done. After signing Dante Fowler Jr. and Todd Gurley, the team used most of what little cap space it had.
While the Falcons likely won’t be bringing in someone like Jadeveon Clowney, there are still some affordable options available that could help add depth and leadership.
Here are four remaining free agents that the Falcons could consider.
LB Clay Matthews
2019 Stats: 37 tackles (27 solo), 8 sacks, 2 forced fumbles
Matthews is past his prime, but showed last season that he can still be a productive player in a smaller role. He racked up eight sacks and two forced fumbles for Los Angeles in 2019. The Falcons already signed defensive end Dante Fowler to a three-year, $48 million contract, but don’t have much depth behind him. With Atlanta losing Adrian Clayborn, a veteran presence like Matthews could be an affordable option as a situational pass-rusher.
EDGE Terrell Suggs
2019 Stats: 40 tackles (24 solo), 6.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles
Adding a 37-year-old situational pass-rusher doesn’t seem like the kind of move a team trying to get back to the playoffs would make, but Suggs is no ordinary player. After 16 seasons in Baltimore, the veteran played for Arizona and Kansas City last year, finishing with 6.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. If you look at just Suggs’ production since 2016, he’s totaled 32.5 sacks and 158 total tackles. Bringing him to Atlanta on one-year, incentive-laden deal could be the perfect fit for both parties.
TE Delanie Walker
2019 Stats: 21 catches, 215 yards, 2 touchdowns
The Falcons traded for tight end Hayden Hurst and signed Khari Lee to replace Austin Hooper, but neither is proven in the league. Former Titans TE Delanie Walker has been banged up the past two seasons, but as a low-risk, high-reward free agent, he makes sense for Atlanta. Signing Walker could take some of the pressure off of Hurst early on. Dirk Koetter’s offense, heavily utilizes the tight end position and Walker could make the transition from Hooper less drastic.
CB Darqueze Dennard
2019 Stats: 37 tackles (25 solo), 5 passes defended
Dennard reportedly agreed to a three-year contract with the Jaguars, but the deal fell apart and the 28-year-old remains a free agent. While Dennard is best utilized in the slot, he does have the versatility to play outside if needed. The Falcons released No. 1 corner Desmond Trufant and have very little experience at defensive back. The draft is obviously an option, but a veteran like Dennard could help the transition. If Atlanta is looking for a stop-gap to bring some experience to its secondary, the team should sign Dennard to a one-year deal.
