3 Defensive Tackle Free Agents the Atlanta Falcons should consider signing

The Atlanta Falcons have holes all over their defence, including at defensive tackle. They allowed the 6th most rushing yards per game at 131.9 and were dead last at sacking the Quarterback last season. Atlanta will definitely add several defensive lineman this off season. Terry Fontenot and Arthur Smith have said they hope to be mid market shoppers in free agency. I have identified 3 defensive tackles who wouldn't cost a whole lot and who could help Dean Pees improve his porous defence.

Tim Settle

Typically a player of Settle's build is a run stopping defensive tackle, but Settle excels as a pass rusher. In 2020 he accumulated 5 sacks for the Washington Football Team. Settle has a mean bull rush which allows him to over power centers. He would be my ideal partner for Grady Jarrett. Settle is still only 24, so he has years of good football still ahead of him. Washington have a deep rotation along their defensive line. I think he would star in a bigger role with the Falcons. PFF projects Settle would cost approximately $4 million a year.

Derrick Nnadi

The former FSU man is coming off his worst season as a pro, but he has shown that he can be a solid run defender. On early downs, Nnadi would be an improvement on Tyeler Davison, Ta'Quon Graham and Marlon Davidson. Nnadi attacks gaps well and has a very good ability to run fit. He could play the nose tackle spot in Dean Pees defence. Last season, he developed his pass rushing ability, resulting in him tallying 3 sacks and 5 quarterback hits. In 2020, he ranked as PFF's 26th interior defender out of 126 eligible candidates.

Maurice Hurst

Hurst got injured in 2021, so he only played 41 snaps last season. Hurst's bread and butter is rushing the passer. He could be available on a one year prove it deal, similar to the contract Cordarrelle Patterson was signed on. Fixing the Falcons pass rush won't be easy, but signing Hurst on a cheap deal could prove to be a shrewd signing that might help. Hurst is typically a three technique in a 4-3, but he has the ability to line up in several different spots, Hurst has had a PFF overall grade above 70 every season he has been in the NFL.

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

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