Atlanta Falcons, Jonathan Babineaux ‘extremely close’ to deal
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux (95). Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
The Atlanta Falcons need to upgrade their pass rush, but keeping around both of their impending free agent defensive tackles is certainly best for the team going forward. Both Jonathan Babineaux and Corey Peters were once set to hit free agency, and they are both solid starters at the position. It looks like Babineaux will be off the market as well, as the National Football Post’s Aaron Wilson reports that the Falcons are “extremely close” to re-signing him on a three-year deal.
The 32-year-old recorded 42 tackles with just one sack last season, and he is one of the better run-stopping defensive tackles in the league. A dependable veteran, Babineaux would probably retire with the Falcons organization on this three-year deal.
It’s interesting to see that the Falcons have decided not to try and find a better pass rusher at the defensive tackle position instead of Babineaux and Peters, and that’s been something suggested by some fans. I love the Falcons decision to keep both players, though, and I’m sure Peters will outplay the one-year, $1 million deal he signed with the team. Peters had an excellent 2013 season before going down with a torn Achilles’, and that injury is the only reason why he was forced to sign that kind of a deal. I have a feeling Osi Umenyiora will be on his way out with a younger, more dynamic pass rusher at DE on his way in and a very good starting DT duo in the middle to help support him.
Barring an unsurprising twist, it sounds like Babineaux will re-sign before 4 p.m.