Following a regression from several key players in 2018, the Falcons enter the offseason with more questions than answers on defense. What seemed like a promising defensive roster full of young talent just a year ago was exposed by injuries in a big way. Perhaps the biggest thing coach Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff have to figure out is what to do with former sack-leader, Vic Beasley, who’s coming off two underwhelming seasons in a row and is owed $12.8 million in 2019.
At just 26 years old, Beasley has time to develop, but he only has one more season to prove himself before Atlanta or anybody else gives him a significant second contract. Quinn is among those who still believe Beasley and third-year defensive end Takk McKinley are the team’s top choices on the edge.
In a video posted by the team Twitter account, Quinn talked about having high expectations for McKinley and Beasley, who both have something to prove this season.
“Let’s start on the defensive side first. Both defensive ends, McKinley and Beasley. Those two bookends – I’m expecting both of them to have a fantastic offseason.”
The Falcons could opt to trade Beasley if they don’t feel he is worth such a large chunk of their limited cap space. As for McKinley, he has shown flashes of dominant pass-rushing ability, but needs to put together a complete season.
Both have a lot to prove, however, it sounds like Quinn still has high hopes for his two starting defensive ends.
