4 Edge Rusher Free Agents the Atlanta Falcons should consider signing

The lack of an effective pass rush has haunted the Atlanta Falcons for a long time. They haven't been a top ten team at rushing the quarterback since 2004, ironically that year they lead the league in Quarterback sacks with 48. Sacking the quarterback is the Falcons krypotonite, evidently displayed by them ranking in the bottom ten, 8 out of the past 10 seasons. Two players had higher individual sack totals (TJ Watt - 23.5 and Robert Quinn - 18.5) than the Atlanta Falcons team sack total of 18. A staggeringly bad effort. Terry Fontenot may choose to address edge rusher in the draft with the 8th overall pick, but one player won't solve this glaring weakness. Dean Pees defense will need at least 3 new edge rushers, in addition to internal help. Atlanta decided to release their best pass rusher in Dante Folwer. I've identified 4 potential edge rushers that would allow the Falcons defence to pressure the quarterback more frequently. Steve Wyche indicated the Falcons want to be mid market shoppers in free agency and these players fit into that category.

Arden Key

Key is a former third round pick of the Oakland Raiders, who failed to live up to expectations. However, he did flourish last season with the San Francisco 49ers. Key registered 6.5 sacks in a designated pass rushing role for DeMeco Ryans unit. Key showed a great ability to rush from different positions. Key earned PFF's 28th highest pass rushing grade amongst edge defenders at 75.4. PFF projects Key will demand $6-7 million per year. Key had a great game vs. the Falcons in week 15. Below his pressure on Matt Ryan prevented a certain touchdown. 




Justin Houston

Houston is an aging pass rusher, but that shouldn't deter Terry Fontenot from pursuing him. Atlanta will likely add a pass rusher or two through the draft and Houston would be an excellent veteran presence to assist their development. At this stage of his career,  Houston would be a situational pass rusher. He fits into a 3-4 defence. The Georgia native recorded 4.5 sacks as a member of the Baltimore Ravens last season. He was PFF's 19th ranked edge defender in 2021. Houston would be a good one year stop gap and he would probably cost $7 million.

Jacob Martin

Jacob Martin has managed to get atleast 3 sacks in every year of his NFL career. He was traded to the Houston Texans as part of the Jadaveon Clowney trade that resulted in Clowney going to the Seahawks. Martin has 10.5 sacks in three years of play with the Texans. Martin is only 26 so his best football is still ahead of him. He earned a 69.9 pass rushing grade from PFF for his play in 2021. Martin would be a smart addition as he wouldn't cost too much and every NFL needs a deep rotation of edge rushers.

Uchenna Nwosu

Nwosu is an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme so he'd fit in nicely to a Dean Pees defence. A player who is comfortable at rushing the passer or capable of dropping into coverage. This is essential for a Dean Pees outside linebacker, as last season Steven Means and Brandon Copeland deopped into coverage a combined 132 times. Nwosu tallied 5 sacks and 40 total pressures, including 2 forced fumbles in 2021. Nwosu has shown he is an above average edge defender. Whilst he isn't exceptional at any one thing, he is good at everything. I feel he is still yet to fulfill his true potential and that whichever teams signs him will be getting a player about to hit his prime.

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Let me know would you sign any of these guys in the comments below. Alternatively, would you rather avoid pass rusher in free agency completely and take one in the draft?

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