3 free agents the Atlanta Falcons could still pursue

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 03: Carlos Dunlap II #8 of the Seattle Seahawks walks onto the field prior the start of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on October 03, 2021 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 17: Joe Schobert #93 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action during the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Heinz Field on October 17, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

Atlanta Falcons target no. 2: ILB Joe Schobert (Released by Pittsburgh Steelers)

With Deion Jones somewhat of a question mark (see ESPN’s Michael Rothstein), could GM Terry Fontenot look to add another experienced linebacker whose forte is pass coverage? Joe Schobert has been in the news lately.

He recently visited the Saints (via Nick Underhill) and comes off a season in which he totaled 112 tackles for the Pittsburgh Steelers – the second-most on the club.

Ironically, the former member of the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars was part of a unit in 2021 that allowed the most rushing yards in the league. That’s not Schobert’s forte, rather his strength is in pass coverage.

Along with those aforementioned stops, the six-year pro finished with one interception and six passes defensed this past year.

This offseason, the Falcons added former Tennessee Titans’ first-round pick Rashaan Evans, who is very familiar with coordinator Dean Pees’ system. And he was part of a defense in 2021 that allowed the second-most rushing yards in the league.

Meanwhile, only five teams in the league allowed more rushing yards than the Falcons did this past season.

Of course, Schobert would add a different dimension to this unit. And his experience could prove to be very valuable to an Atlanta linebacking corps that has its share of youth.

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