Atlanta Falcons: Value, Consistency Evident In Free Agency
By Nafisa H
The Atlanta Falcons have remained busy in free agency, finding value to try and stay the course to another Super Bowl.
Although the Atlanta Falcons were awfully busy making pivotal moves ahead of free agency, that didn’t allow them to sit back and enjoy the view when the clock struck 4:00 p.m.. Rather, they stayed on the hunt for a Super Bowl championship, fully aware and on the lookout for free agents that could improve their team. Because while they haven’t gotten the most out of free agency in previous years, it’s nor too late to switch things up and try something new.
The Falcons commenced free agency with a loud call, announcing that they reached a deal with former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Jack Crawford within minutes of his contract expiring.
The veteran defensive end, who spent the last three seasons with the Dallas Cowboys after they picked him up as a free agent in 2014, was initially selected by the Oakland Raiders in the fifth round (158th overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft and played for the team for two seasons.
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Despite flying under the radar throughout his career, the newly-signed Falcon has racked up 9.5 career sacks, with 72 tackles, and one forced fumble with limited playing time, and at 28 years old with peaking character and work ethic, he’s primed to build on his career-high number of starts (11 while playing in all 16 games last season) and potentially develop into a key starter.
While Crawford’s stats don’t jump out on paper, he drew interest from several teams this offseason, including the Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Indianapolis Colts. Needing to beef up their defense after it allowed 31-unanswered points to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI and with older veterans set to become free agents, the Atlanta Falcons knew they had to move swiftly to secure this hot commodity and swooped in to nab Crawford within minutes of his contract expiring, signing him to a three-year deal worth $10.3 million, with $3.75 million in the first year.
The move is a smart one. Crawford is a younger option for the Falcons defensive line than 35-year-old defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux (not returning to Atlanta), 30-year-old defensive tackle Tyson Jackson (released by the team), and 37-year-old defensive end Dwight Freeney (who’s return is still up in the air). And it’s certainly a more affordable method to improving the defense than retaining the veteran Falcons, especially considering the team’s limited cap space.
After the team signed Crawford, the Falcons re-focused their strategy to within. Linebacker LaRoy Reynolds and tight end Levine Toilolo are both regarded as integral members of the team and will return next season.
Reynolds was picked up by the Falcons last year after going undrafted and spending time with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears with limited action (he started just four of the 43 games he played prior to joining the Falcons, while only starting one game in Chicago). Up until this past season, Reynolds recorded 50 total tackles (39 solo) over a three-year span.
In the 2016 season, Reynolds played in all 16 games (starting three) making an impact on both special teams and defense for the Atlanta Falcons, and finishing the season with seven tackles and one fumble recovery on special teams and 23 defensive tackles. In addition to his play, members of the Falcons took notice of Reynolds’ leadership abilities.
Switching gears to their offense, the Falcons re-signed Levine Toilolo, who they selected in the fourth round (133rd overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft. And while Toilolo’s career with the Falcons got off to a shaky start, his improved blocking skills and decreased number of dropped passes led to a career-best season in 2016 during which he totaled 264 yards on 13 receptions (including two touchdowns) while playing in all 16 games (starting three). With Steve Sarkisian as their new offensive coordinator, it’s important for the Falcons to have players with the demonstrated ability to contribute on offense and score, which Toilolo does.
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The Atlanta Falcons haven’t exactly “won big” during free agency in recent years. While the names might not be the biggest on the market, they’re clearly mining value from these free agents and valuing consistency to try and get back to the Super Bowl.