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Atlanta Falcons: 5 Free agents to sign before training camp

By Mitchell Hansen

ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 29: Everson Griffen #97 of the Minnesota Vikings sacks Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at the Georgia Dome on November 29, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 29: Everson Griffen #97 of the Minnesota Vikings sacks Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at the Georgia Dome on November 29, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Aqib Talib, Atlanta Falcons (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Aqib Talib, Atlanta Falcons (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

3. Aqib Talib

One position of need this offseason for the Falcons has come at the back end of the defense and specifically at the cornerback spot. While Atlanta did address that need to some extent through the 2020 NFL Draft, most notably drafting cornerback A.J. Terrell in the opening round of the draft, it could still look to the free-agent market to add to the position in 2020.

If the Falcons are indeed on the search for an additional piece to add to the defensive back spot, the good news for them is there are some intriguing veteran options that remain as free agents throughout the NFL.

One name that initially pops out that could be a nice addition to Atlanta in 2020 is former Los Angeles Rams cornerback Aqib Talib, who has spent time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New England Patriots, Denver Broncos and Rams during his 12-year NFL career.

Talib, who will turn 35 years old in February, has earned five Pro Bowl honors during the course of his professional career and he could bring that veteran presence who also has extensive playoff experience to a suddenly young Falcons cornerback unit.

In his last two seasons with Los Angeles, Talib has only been able to take the field for a combined 13 games, playing in a total of five games during the 2019 campaign. But if he can even take part in at least half of the regular-season contests in Atlanta in 2020, he could boost the unit at the back end of the defense.

Last year, Talib played in and started in five games for the Rams, finishing the year with 14 combined tackles and seven solo tackles. Even if he isn’t able to actually take the field much this year, he would be a solid veteran addition to the locker room for any NFL team.

Talib wouldn’t be a long-term option for the Falcons, but that’s not something they are looking for right now after bringing in some young players to the cornerback spot during the offseason. And the veteran corner could be a great one-year addition to help groom those young prospects as they transition into the league in 2020.

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