Should the Falcons pursue Journeyman Edge Rusher?

One of the biggest questions for the Atlanta Falcons this offseason is whether they have enough talent at the edge rusher position. The youth movement for defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake regarding passers is alive and well.

With second-year player Zach Harrison, third-year pro Arnold Ebiketie and rookies Brandon Dorlus and Bralen Tice, the unit lacks depth and veteran presence, with the loss of 2023’s co-sack leader (6, 5) Bud Dupree in free agency.

Six-year veteran Lorenzo Carter remains but is a role player at best, as he produced just three sacks last season. However, there is a free agent who could address their lack of veteran presence and pass-rushing efficiency.

Yannick Ngakoue can give the Falcons the boost they need.

Yannick Ngakoue, a seasoned veteran with a nine-year NFL career, could be the key to solving the Falcons’ pass rush woes. His recent stint with the Chicago Bears, where he had four sacks, may not fully reflect his potential. After all, the Bears defense was rarely in pass-friendly situations in 2023.

It was his previous two seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders and the Indianapolis Colts that really showcased his potential, as he racked up an impressive 19.5 sacks and established himself as one of the best situational passers in the league.

In his nine seasons in the NFL, his 65 sacks are impressive, regardless of how many teams he played for. So, for the Falcons, how could he contribute?

Yannick could be the bridge Atlanta needs for a season.

Ngakoue has signed one-year deals with three different organizations over the past three seasons, usually with a higher bidder. He could be a worthwhile stopgap for Atlanta until the team makes an in-season trade or waits until next offseason to better address the edge position.

With many young passers on the team, he could also be a valuable teammate and mentor in refining the passing repetition of the Falcons’ future edge rushers. While Ebiketie probably showed flashes. Imagine what his game would look like working alongside one of the best sack artists in the NFL over the last decade.

The knock on Ngakoue has been his run defense, but the Falcons have used interior defensive linemen and could use a pass rush specialist.

As of now, Atlanta doesn’t have a lot of wiggle room in cap space, but with training camp and the NFL season approaching, it’s possible the team sees the need on the side defensively and makes some ceiling moves to rectify the situation at the ceiling level. edge rusher position to add a player like Yannick Ngakoue before the start of the season.