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Atlanta Falcons: Three bargain free agents to target

By Freddie Boston

Dec 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Detroit Lions cornerback Nevin Lawson (24) tackles St. Louis Rams tight end Jared Cook (89) during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Detroit Lions cornerback Nevin Lawson (24) tackles St. Louis Rams tight end Jared Cook (89) during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 17, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Nick Fairley (98) and outside linebacker Mark Barron (26) pressure Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Nick Fairley (98) and outside linebacker Mark Barron (26) pressure Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

DT Nick Fairley

On talent alone, there’s no way Nick Fairley would still be available. Unfortunately for Fairley, time and again he’s lacked the effort to become the best player he can be. The Lions allowed him to walk away after being apart of the league’s No. 1 run defense, and he was given just one year in St. Louis to prove his worth.

For now at least, Fairley won’t be joining the Rams en route to Los Angeles. He remains unsigned — at what point should the Falcons have interest? If Dan Quinn can get him playing at his best, he can be a key piece on the defensive line.

The Falcons need to get more pass rush across the board. For an interior defender, Fairley is a talented pass rusher. He was ranked 23rd among 123 graded interior defenders by Pro Football Focus last season — 18th in pass rush.

Fairley is best suited for a 4-3 defense and would at worst be a rotational piece along the line. For the low price it will take to lure his signature, the risk is worth taking. Landing Fairley would likely require a similar short-term deal he signed 12 months ago.

Next: A coverage linebacker

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