Several former members of the New York Giants remain unsigned as we inch closer to June, but you can now scratch linebacker Deone Bucannon off that list.
The Atlanta Falcons announced on Thursday evening that they have agreed to terms with Bucannon.
The Falcons’ 2020 offseason has been largely about adding versatility to their defense, and this move is a continuation of that theme. At 6-foot-1 and 211 pounds, Bucannon is much smaller than a typical linebacker – even by today’s standards – but he offers the physicality to play a role in a big nickel package. His athleticism at the linebacker position is also a positive and something the Falcons covet on their defense.
Bucannon began the 2019 season as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but was released in early October and then picked up by the Giants two weeks later, reuniting the linebacker with defensive coordinator James Bettcher, who had coached Bucannon during his time with the Arizona Cardinals.
In nine games (one start) with the Giants, Bucannon recorded 25 tackles (15 solo) and one stuff. He finished the year with a 53.6 grade from Pro Football Focus.
