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4 Saints that could follow Ryan Nielsen to the Atlanta Falcons

By Nick Halden

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 21: C.J. Gardner-Johnson #23 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts against the New York Giants during the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 21: C.J. Gardner-Johnson #23 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts against the New York Giants during the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Nov 17, 2019; Tampa, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 17, 2019; Tampa, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

The Atlanta Falcons and Dean Pees parted ways early this off-season with the veteran coach retiring and Atlanta signing former New Orleans coach Ryan Nielsen to replace him. Nielsen makes sense for the Falcons in the sense his focus and specialty is building a defensive line and pass rush capable of impacting the game consistently.

This is obviously the exact trait Atlanta has lacked outside of Grady Jarrett the pass rush and defensive line is consistently bullied. Atlanta needs a fresh mindset with Pees failing to put together a capable defense and Nielsen will bring that pairing perfectly with Arthur Smith’s run heavy offense.

Looking at Nielsen’s history and the cap space the Falcons have this off-season it would be shocking not to see some former Saints switch sides to Atlanta this off-season giving Ryan pieces he is familiar with and knows how to use in a young Atlanta defense that needs an infusion of talent at nearly every position. One potential fit might not be a popular one but it makes far too much sense not to explore if the opportunity presents to chase a player who has been a consistent thorn in Atlanta’s side.

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