10 free agents the Atlanta Falcons must add to make the playoffs

2. Arden Key, Edge, Jacksonville Jaguars

Arden Key has played for three different teams since being drafted in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft and is now reportedly a potential fit for the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons have struggled to generate a pass rush, and Key could be a valuable addition to their team by coming in on obvious passing downs to pressure the quarterback. Although he is more suited for a situational role rather than a full-time starter, Key’s pressure rate of 14.4 percent (20th in the NFL among players with at least 200 pass rush snaps) demonstrates his efficiency and potential value.

At 6’4″ and 240 pounds, Key has the versatility to line up as an on-ball or off-ball linebacker in the Falcons’ defense. Although he may not command a large salary, his youth and potential effectiveness make him an attractive prospect for any team in need of a pass-rushing boost.

1. Marcus Davenport, DE, New Orleans Saints

Change will probably come to the Atlanta Falcons’ defense. Adding a pass rusher is a must for the Atlanta Falcons, who struggled to get to the quarterback and reunited him with his former coach, Ryan Nielsen, who he played for during their time with New Orleans Saints. Davenport never lived up to expectations, but he’s just 26 years old with room to grow. He had his best season with nine sacks with a staff that featured Ryan Nielsen.

Nine sacks aren’t a lot, but it’s more than any player the Falcons currently have on their roster. He can help some of the other players acclimate to a defense that will run a combination of odd and even fronts. The 6’6″ 265-pound edge rusher can play with his hand in the dirt as a five-technique in a 3-4 defense and help set the tone as a run defender.