The Atlanta Falcons hit the offensive line hard in the 2019 NFL draft, using two first-round draft picks to plug their holes on the right side. They also addressed their need for more depth at cornerback, adding two new players at that spot.
It was somewhat surprising that the team only drafted one defensive lineman, though. The Falcons could also stand to add more depth at safety. With that in mind, here are five free agents who are still available that could help.
DT Ndamukong Suh
Pros: Suh is still one of the most disruptive defensive linemen in the NFL today. Last year he posted 4.5 sacks and 19 quarterback hits while lining up next to Aaron Donald. He could be just as effective next to Grady Jarrett, giving Atlanta’s pass rush the shot in the arm it so desperately needs.
Cons: Suh is now 32 years old and he peaked several seasons ago. If the Falcons sign him, it’s likely to be only a one-year rental and he’s not going to come cheap despite his age.
FS Eric Berry
Pros: With Ricardo Allen and Keanu Neal both still recovering from devastating season-ending injuries, it’s a little surprising the Falcons passed on adding another safety in the draft. Berry’s range and ball skills (14 career interceptions, 51 pass breakups) would be very welcome additions to Atlanta’s secondary.
Cons: Berry is an inspiring story and a hometown hero. However, he hasn’t been able to stay on the field much. Over the last two years, he’s only played in three regular season games due to injuries.
DT Muhammad Wilkerson
Pros: It’s unusual to find such an accomplished interior lineman still available at this point in the offseason. Wilkerson likely would not cost as much as Suh and has been just as dangerous at different times in his career.
Cons: Wilkerson peaked back in 2015 when he posted 12 sacks and 28 QB hits with the Jets. Since then, he’s only totaled eight sacks and 18 hits. Last season he only played three games for the Packers and didn’t make much of an impact.
EDGE Ezekiel Ansah
Pros: When he’s healthy, Ansah is one of the best edge rushers in the NFL. In 2015 and 2017, he played a total of 30 games and posted 26.5 sacks and 51 QB hits to go with 30 tackles for a loss. That kind of production is usually worth taking a gamble on. Ansah’s price-tag should not be too terrible either given his recent struggles.
Cons: Ansah hasn’t had much luck with injuries lately and he’s become inconsistent. During the 2016 and 2018 seasons he managed just six sacks, 22 QB hits and 10 tackles for a loss in 20 games.
FS Tre Boston
Pros: Boston had a habit of getting burned in coverage early in his career in Carolina. However, he’s grown a lot over the last two years with the Chargers and Cardinals. He’s four years younger than Eric Berry and doesn’t have a history of injuries. He’s missed just three games since his rookie season.
Cons: On the field, there’s not much to dislike about the possibility of adding Boston. The problem may be that he’s not willing to sign a contract with a team that sees him as a backup.
