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Atlanta Falcons: Five positions that must be addressed in free agency

By Freddie Boston

Nov 13, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive end Olivier Vernon (50) sacks Buffalo Bills quarterback Kyle Orton (18) as Miami defeated Buffalo 22-9. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive end Olivier Vernon (50) sacks Buffalo Bills quarterback Kyle Orton (18) as Miami defeated Buffalo 22-9. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 28, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Jeremy Hill (32) is tackled by Denver Broncos inside linebacker Danny Trevathan (59) during the first half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Jeremy Hill (32) is tackled by Denver Broncos inside linebacker Danny Trevathan (59) during the first half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Inside linebacker

One of the biggest issues on defense in 2015 was at inside linebacker. The Falcons are in need of someone who can drop into coverage. As good as Paul Worrilow was against the run, he was too often lost in coverage.

Jerrell Freeman is a name that has cropped up a number of times. Currently with the Colts, the 29-year-old could be a good addition should he hit the market. The Colts won’t want to lose a player who has been so consistent for them on defense, but it’s a real possibility. The downside? His price tag could be way too high.

Free agency is certainly a valuable tool, but not one to be abused. Overpaying on players is a common issue teams make each year in attempt to find a quick fix, but it can have devastating long-term effects on the salary cap. See: New Orleans Saints. Freeman would be an excellent addition to Dan Quinn’s defense, but only if the price is right.

Other pending free agents at the position include the Cowboys’ Rolando McClain and the Broncos’ Danny Trevathan. Trevathan could be on his way out of Denver as they will likely pay Von Miller top dollar. But as you can imagine, he won’t come cheap.

Next: No. 2

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