Atlanta Falcons: three moves to make after the Keanu Neal injury

The Atlanta Falcons have some moves to make after star safety Keanu Neal was injured during the Falcons’ first game.

When Falcons safety Keanu Neal went down with a torn ACL during the season opener, the Falcons defense suffered a huge blow. Here are three moves the Falcons should consider to replace and improve Atlanta’s defense.

Sign Eric Reid

Losing to the Eagles was one thing. Losing your Pro Bowl strong safety and enforcer, for the entire season, is worse. There aren’t too many players, if any at all, that can replace Keanu Neal but there are at least 15 more games to be played. The Falcons have to adjust somehow. As much as Dan Quinn claims he wants to stay “in house” for Neal’s replacement, it would be absurd for him and the front office to not check the market and see what is available.

Again, there isn’t a player who can replace Neal but there is a free agent safety that would be able and at least be a serviceable backup or even a potential starter, down the line. That person is Eric Reid. He’s about an inch taller and is listed at almost the exact same amount of weight as Neal.

Reid also has plenty of experience. Since coming into the league in 2013, Reid has started almost 70 games, which means he’s talented enough to start and that he’s seen his fair share of offensive play calls. Surely, the Falcons could benefit from his veteran presence. This is low risk, high reward. The Falcons must kick the tires on Reid, at the very least.