Falcons: Deciding which defensive free agents should re-sign or walk
Lorenzo Carter, OLB, Atlanta Falcons
Lorenzo Carter led the Atlanta Falcons edge rushers in sacks—he had four. He was their best and most consistent edge player during the season. Luckily for the team (kind of), their top-edge rusher can be brought back on a reasonable contract.
Just like Abdullah Anderson, when you have a weak group and one of the better players is a free agent, you need to re-sign him. Lorenzo Carter shouldn’t go anywhere.
Verdict: Re-sign
Nick Kwiatkoski, ILB, Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta brought in Nick Kwiatkoski to provide some competition as a depth linebacker. He ended up on the practice squad as they favored the undrafted free agent, Nate Landman. He did end up on the active roster but only played on special teams. His career with the Dirty Birds seems like it will be just a one-year thing.
Verdict: Walk
Rashaan Evans, ILB, Atlanta Falcons
Rashaan Evans was a rough and chippy player for the defense. He was also their most consistent coverage linebacker. Even with Dean Pees (who was his biggest fan) gone, it seems like a no-brainer to bring him back.