According to a report by Mike Reiss at ESPN, the Falcons have re-signed former defensive end Adrian Clayborn.
Clayborn was a first-round pick by the Buccaneers in the 2011 NFL draft. He spent four seasons there before leaving for Atlanta. Last year, he left in free agency and signed with the Patriots.
Clayborn had an excellent year in New England, even if his pass-rushing stats don’t reflect it (2.5 sacks, 13 QB hits). He was one of the most consistent 4-3 defensive ends in the league in terms of generating pressure on the quarterback.
In 95 career games, he’s posted 32.5 sacks and 90 QB hits.
Re-signing Clayborn will help take the sting out of losing Bruce Irvin to the division rival Panthers and should get the edge rotation back on even footing.
Atlanta is also getting Clayborn back at a very reasonable price. According to Tom Pelissero at NFL Network, it’s a one-year deal worth up to $4 million.
Steal.
