The Falcons’ defensive regression in 2018 was the biggest reason for the team’s frustrating 7-9 finish. An abundance of injuries in the secondary along with a lack of effectiveness up front led to Atlanta finishing No. 28 in yards allowed (384.5 per game) and No. 25 in scoring defense (26.4 points per game). Some of those issues will take care of themselves as key players return from injuries in 2019. However, the team could stand to add some veteran leadership and depth for their defensive line, especially after the release of Brooks Reed.
One player that comes to mind is former Buccaneers defensive end Vinny Curry. While he’s not coming off a great year, Curry’s release on Tuesday is mostly for schematic reasons as Tampa shifts towards a hybrid 3-4 defense under new defensive coordinator Todd Bowles.
We highlighted the seven-year veteran pass rusher as a potential target in free agency last year. He’s still a good fit for all the same reasons he was in 2018. Curry, now 30-years-old, spent most of his career as a productive rotational end for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Curry has 24.5 career sacks, with his best season coming in 2014 when he tallied nine sacks despite not starting once. Curry’s abilities would translate well into Dan Quinn’s system and his durability would make him a welcome addition to the rotation with Takkarist McKinley and Vic Beasley.
Curry was set to make $8 million for the Bucs this year. If the Falcons can sign him for half of that or less, he may be worth a shot.
