The Atlanta Falcons a potential fit for this former Georgia Bulldog

Regardless of what team the Atlanta Falcons were facing last season, it was a given the opposing quarterback would have plenty of time in the pocket. The Atlanta Falcons finished the 2021 season with 18.0 sacks by far the least in the league. The second worst total belongs to the Eagles who managed 29.0-sacks throughout the season. Atlanta finished in last by a wide margin due to their inability to affect the game with the pass rush.

In response, Atlanta moved on from defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. and added Arnold Ebiketie, Lorenzo Carter, and Rashaan Evans who will all be used in different roles in an attempt to create a pass rush. Despite their busy off-season it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Falcons opt to bring in a veteran edge rusher.

One potential fit could be former Georgia Bulldog and current free agent Justin Houston. Houston is entering his 12th year in the league and will likely sign a one-year low-risk deal. Houston has 102-career sacks to go along with 18-forced fumbles and 165-quarterback hits.  While he isn’t the impact player he once was he is still more than capable of playing a contributing role on the right defense.

With the Ravens, last season Houston had 4.5-sacks and 17-quarterback hits in a limited role speaking to the impact he is still capable of having. Atlanta signing Houston would allow the team to add a veteran leader capable of making an impact without demanding snaps that belong to Atlanta’s young defense.

Houston would be a perfect trade piece for Atlanta as well if he is having a good season when the Falcons fall out of contention ahead of the trade deadline. If Atlanta makes any moves ahead of the pre-season it will likely be for a player like Justin Houston or a veteran receiver. With plenty of cap room left Atlanta will likely add at least one veteran ahead of the season to compete for snaps and give the team even more depth headed into what will be a long 2022 season.