Former falcons defensive end Adrian Clayborn was arguably the one player the team missed most last season after he signed with the Patriots in free agency. Atlanta’s pass rush dropped off significantly, which played a major role in finishing No. 25 in scoring defense.
Good news: they may get a second chance. In a Twitter post moments ago, Clayborn thanked New England for the time and for releasing him from his contract.
A first-round pick by Tampa Bay in 2011, Clayborn has played in 95 career regular season games, totaling 32.5 sacks, 90 QB hits and 48 tackles for a loss during that time. After four years with the Bucs, he signed with the Falcons and posted 17 sacks in three seasons, leading the team with 9.5 in 2017.
In his one year with New England, Clayborn had 2.5 sacks, 13 quarterback hits and three tackles for a loss.
Clayborn would make a great re-addition to a Falcons defensive line that underwhelmed last season outside of Grady Jarrett.
