Atlanta Falcons miss out on Derrick Morgan – What Now?

Aug 23, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback EJ Manuel (3) gets hit by Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Michael Johnson (90) and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (93) during the first half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Johnson

A former Buccaneer, Michael Johnson has recently been cut by Tampa Bay just one year after agreeing to a 5 year, $44 million contract in the 2014 free agency period. The fact that Tampa were willing to saddle themselves with $7 million in dead money this season just to be rid of the defensive end isn’t a confidence builder, but Johnson did show promise during his 5 seasons in Cincinnati. Having once accumulated 11.5 sacks in a single season, the former 3rd round pick has shown rare peaks, but has spent most of his NFL career plagued by inconsistent play. The signing of Johnson is fine, provided it is as cheap, experienced depth for a very young unit. Signing Johnson as a our premier pass rusher of free agency would be nothing short of a total failure by the front office, as there’s really no evidence that he could live up to that billing. As a low risk, inexpensive depth signing, I would gladly welcome Johnson to Atlanta, but fans can’t be happy if he comes to Atlanta with higher expectation this free agency period.