Atlanta Falcons sign veteran linebacker to one-year deal

The Atlanta Falcons have continued their trend of signing veterans to short-term deals signing Rashaan Evans to a one-year deal. Evans spent his first four seasons with the Tennessee Titans the linebacker has 317-career tackles and was a consistent contributor to the Titans’ defense over the last four years.

The Titans opted not to exercise his fifth-year option and allowed him to become a free agent. Signing Evans is a great move for Atlanta that gives them options as the draft draws closer. If the right trade presents itself for Deion Jones the Falcons now have a veteran to plug in at linebacker alongside Mykal Walker.

Jones didn’t play to his talent level last season and could be moved to open up even more cap space next off-season. Already the team is projected to have well over $100-million in open cap space with roster cornerstones A.J. Terrell, Kyle Pitts, Cordarrelle Patterson, and Calvin Ridley still all under contract.

Even if Atlanta decides to stick with Jones for another season Evans is great depth in case of injury or Mykal Walker struggles. Walker hasn’t been given a large role in the Atlanta defense with Foye Oluokun and Deion Jones locked in as starters during Walker’s time with Atlanta. Now for the first time, he will get a chance to compete and prove he is capable of holding a starting role with the team.

Evans should be used as insurance in case Walker isn’t capable of starting or the team moves on from Deion. Mykal Walker needs to be given a chance to start and prove he is a long-term option for a defense searching for answers at seemingly every position.

Rashaan Evans is familiar with both Arthur Smith and Dean Pees with both coaches spending time with Evans in Tennesee. Rashaan Evans is a solid addition to a team that needed help at the position and now will have options heading into the season.