D. Orlando Ledbetter of the AJC reported today that the Falcons signed linebacker Phillip Wheeler and released safety Charles Godfrey in a corresponding move.Â
The #Falcons signed linebacker Philip Wheeler (Georgia Tech) and released safety Charles Godfrey today.
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) October 20, 2015
Wheeler spent his high school days at Shaw high school in Georgia and continued his college career in Atlanta at Georgia Tech. Wheeler was drafted late in the third round by the Indianapolis Colts where he spent his first four seasons. In 2012 he signed a one-year deal with the Raiders and put together the best year of his career. He recorded 109 tackles to go along with 3 sacks and 2 forced fumbles.
His performance warranted a big 5-year/$26 million deal with the Miami Dolphins. He only played in two of those seasons for the Dolphins, as he was released this offseason. The 49ers snagged him off the market, but released him as well on September 4th.
The Atlanta linebacking core has suffered due to the absence of linebacker Justin Durant. Durant was a key free agent acquisition that was supposed to sure up what was a poor linebacking core in 2014. He led the team in tackles prior to being injured in the week 4 matchup with the Houston Texans. Wheeler is a quality option for the Falcons to have until Durant is able to return from injury.