TheRisen999 Posted February 8 Share Posted February 8 (edited) The Falcons will have a new-look defense for a couple of reasons. Atlanta hired Ryan Nielsen to take over for Dean Pees as defensive coordinator, resulting in an influx of new assistants, including former Packers assistant Jerry Gray. Secondly, the team has significant resources to bolster that side of the ball — boasting the second-most cap space in the league with an arsenal of draft capital. Nielsen spending his time in New Orleans makes several impending Saints free agents and former players possible targets, and there are some enticing ones. Sheldon Rankins, David Onyemata, Marcus Davenport, Tanoh Kpassagnon, Shy Tuttle, and Kentavius Street are all possibilities. Jerry Gray, who was a candidate for the defensive coordinator position, is a veteran, spending time as the defensive backs coach or coordinator for more than 20 NFL seasons. Since that period is so vast, we’ll just focus on his most recent stop with the Packers. Let’s take a look at some options that could follow Gray from Green Bay to Atlanta. Adrian Amos, Dean Lowry, Jarren Reed, Justin Hollins, Keisean Nixon There aren’t nearly as many impending free agents that interest me from the Packers as the Saints, but there are a few worth exploring. Amos is the most proven player in the group. After beginning his career in Chicago, the veteran safety signed his second contract with the rival Packers and has been steady ever since. Some fans complain about his coverage skills, and though they aren’t elite, he’s a pretty well-rounded player from what I’ve seen. He’s very good at defending the run, but the most important attribute is his durability. Amos hasn’t missed a single game since signing with Green Bay. I believe that should be one of the top factors in whether the Falcons sign a free agent or not — the best ability is availability. Dean Lowry didn’t live up to his contract extension, but he’s still a player worth bringing in at the right price for the proper role. In a perfect world, the Falcons bolster the trenches so much that a player like Lowry is purely a rotational piece. I don’t know how realistic that is just yet, though. Keisean Nixon will likely be re-signed, but the Falcons should be interested if not. His value as a cornerback isn’t near as great as his value on special teams. Given Atlanta’s roster contains special teams aces Cordarrelle Patterson and Avery Williams, the chances of Nixon coming to Atlanta are slim. Still, he’s one of the best returners in football and would be a welcomed addition. The Jarren Reed of today is certainly not the version that put up 10+ sacks in Seattle, but he’s still got some juice. He’ll be 31 years old and still provide solid effort against the pass and run. I’d put him in the same category as Lowry. I would love it if either were a depth/ rotational piece, but the thought of them starting or playing meaningful snaps is quite the discouraging image. Justin Hollins fits that same model. He could be a rotational pass rusher. After beginning the year with the Rams, he spent the final six games with the Packers, putting up 2.5 sacks over that period. Again, it’s not inspiring but could help as a depth piece. The Falcons have relied on former relationships in the past when signing free agents — i.e., Cordarrelle Patterson, Rashaan Evans, Anthony Firkser, etc. That tendency should be expected to continue this offseason Edited February 8 by TheRisen999 mtldirtybird, rounz and Diesel_Bird 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richardc Posted February 8 Share Posted February 8 Ya, I would expect the FA signings will strongly favor guys who have played for new DC and AHC-D. mtldirtybird, TheRisen999 and Emmitt 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jesus Posted February 8 Share Posted February 8 ATL Fan in the DMV, Malachore, runshoot and 20 others 1 21 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falcons_Frenzy Posted February 8 Share Posted February 8 They don't have Packers or Saints ties but I think the Falcons should look at Teair Tart DL from the Titans, Leighton Vander Esch LB of the Cowboys, and Marcus Peters CB from the Ravens if they hit the market. Should be three solid starters that wouldn't break the bank. TheRisen999 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonDaLuvMaker Posted February 8 Share Posted February 8 1 hour ago, Falcons_Frenzy said: They don't have Packers or Saints ties but I think the Falcons should look at Teair Tart DL from the Titans, Leighton Vander Esch LB of the Cowboys, and Marcus Peters CB from the Ravens if they hit the market. Should be three solid starters that wouldn't break the bank. I'm iffy on Marcus Peters. He's still a good corner, but he does dumb unnecessary stuff to draw flags that tends to hurt his team. Falcons_Frenzy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knight of God Posted February 8 Share Posted February 8 1 hour ago, DonDaLuvMaker said: I'm iffy on Marcus Peters. He's still a good corner, but he does dumb unnecessary stuff to draw flags that tends to hurt his team. LVE stays hurt Herr Doktor, DonDaLuvMaker, primetime and 4 others 6 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonDaLuvMaker Posted February 8 Share Posted February 8 Just now, Knight of God said: LVE stays hurt Yep, don't need anyone with a notable injury history. I also think he stays in Dallas. Knight of God and Chitown2ATL_Falcon 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
primetime Posted February 8 Share Posted February 8 Just now, DonDaLuvMaker said: Yep, don't need anyone with a notable injury history. I also think he stays in Dallas. He will - they let their other all pro leave (cut him) a year or so ago. They won’t let LVE leave as well. Teams need coverage lbs in todays game. His injury history concerns me re a long term deal however - pretty sure he has a history of neck related issues. TheRisen999 and DonDaLuvMaker 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herr Doktor Posted February 8 Share Posted February 8 11 hours ago, Falcons_Frenzy said: They don't have Packers or Saints ties but I think the Falcons should look at Teair Tart DL from the Titans, Leighton Vander Esch LB of the Cowboys, and Marcus Peters CB from the Ravens if they hit the market. Should be three solid starters that wouldn't break the bank. LVE is a warrior. And hurt, a lot. My Cowboys friends are frustrated with him. Chitown2ATL_Falcon, Falcons_Frenzy and ItsJustMe 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tribal Chief Posted February 8 Share Posted February 8 Even at his worst Amos would be a massive upgrade over what's currently available on the team Falcons_Frenzy, Banana Bandit, Herr Doktor and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PriMeTiiMe Posted February 8 Share Posted February 8 13 hours ago, Jesus said: I just spit my coffee out Jesus and Herr Doktor 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ItsJustMe Posted February 9 Share Posted February 9 20 hours ago, Herr Doktor said: LVE is a warrior. And hurt, a lot. My Cowboys friends are frustrated with him. You had me until "cowboys friends" .. 🤣 Herr Doktor and papachaz 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Banana Bandit Posted February 9 Share Posted February 9 On 2/8/2023 at 2:02 AM, Knight of God said: LVE stays hurt From Wolf Hunter to Settlement Hunter. Knight of God 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Banana Bandit Posted February 9 Share Posted February 9 21 hours ago, Tribal Chief said: Even at his worst Amos would be a massive upgrade over what's currently available on the team And at 29 years of age, he probably has 4 great years left, and then a few good ones due to being a safety. I'd love Amos on this team. Tribal Chief and Chitown2ATL_Falcon 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tribal Chief Posted February 9 Share Posted February 9 3 minutes ago, Banana Bandit said: And at 29 years of age, he probably has 4 great years left, and then a few good ones due to being a safety. I'd love Amos on this team. Me too. I've liked him since he was a Bear Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aluminafalcon Posted February 9 Share Posted February 9 Amos supposedly had a down year in coverage but his tackling did improve. I think spottrac estimated salary at 9 mill which is reasonable. If we get Payne or another nose either in draft that could free Amos to focus more on coverage and get him back to previous performance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herr Doktor Posted February 9 Share Posted February 9 2 hours ago, ItsJustMe said: You had me until "cowboys friends" .. 🤣 Arms length "friends" ItsJustMe 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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