NFL Offseason 2019: Every team’s best under-the-radar move

Atlanta Falcons: Adrian Clayborn, DE

Back in 2017, the Atlanta Falcons completely beat up on the Dallas Cowboys to the tune of 27-7. In that game, the Cowboys were without running back Ezekiel Elliott who was serving a six-game suspension and that news overshadowed the fact that left tackle Tyron Smith was out with an injury.

One person who didn’t miss that piece of news was Adrian Clayborn, the Falcons defensive end who was set to go up against Smith’s backup, Chaz Green. Clayborn ended up destroying Green as he constantly pushed past the former third-round pick and laid out Dak Prescott five times against him.

For whatever reason, Dallas never adjusted their game plan and didn’t remove Green until late in the game. Once they did, they left Byron Bell on an island against Clayborn and he added one more sack, giving him six on the day. That game earned Clayborn a $750,000 bonus according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network — and also helped him land a two-year contract with the New England Patriots in the offseason.

Clayborn won a ring with the Pats but was released in March after recording just 11 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 14 games. He didn’t remain on the open market long as the Falcons quickly brought back the 31-year old defensive end.

Clayborn’s addition gives Atlanta a solid option to use as the defensive end opposite Takkarist McKinley. Sure, they hope that Vic Beasley regains his 2016 form, but chances are he will continue to be the player who recorded five sacks in each of the past two seasons.

Should that be the case, Beasley could be used more on passing downs while the more well-rounded Clayborn can be on the field for early downs. This was a move that made almost no news but was a very wise pick up.