Atlanta Falcons: 5 Free agents to sign before training camp

2. Everson Griffen

Earlier this offseason, veteran defensive end Everson Griffen took to Instagram to say goodbye to the Minnesota Vikings for the first time in his NFL career while opting out of his contract to hit the free agency market leading into the 2020 campaign. And while Griffen is on the search for a new squad for the first time as a professional, Atlanta could be a nice option for him land in.

The Falcons began the process of changing over its defensive end and edge rusher group this offseason with the addition of Dante Fowler Jr., but they could be on the search for yet another veteran player to go on the other side of the line to pair well with Fowler in 2020.

Griffen, who will turn 33 years old in December, still has about a year or two of solid production left in him and he could be a valuable veteran presence to add to any defense throughout the NFL.

Griffen has spent the entirety of his 10-year NFL career in Minnesota with the Vikings and is fourth in franchise history in sacks (74.5) while he is set to turn 33 years old in December.

Most recently during the 2019 season, the four-time Pro Bowler took the field for 15 regular-season games in Minnesota, tallying a total of 41 combined tackles, 24 quarterback hits, 11 tackles for loss and eight sacks in purple and gold.

Griffen could be on the search for a one-year or two-year contract with his next NFL squad and that could be an attractive aspect to the Falcons at this point in the franchise.

Although he is getting up in age and might not carry the talent he used to earlier on in his Vikings career, Griffen still has the potential to help a team on the defensive line for at least the next few seasons. And he could be a really nice pairing with Fowler on the defensive line in Atlanta.