Mike Garafollo recently informed Falcons fans that the team had a meeting scheduled with Cordarrelle Patterson and that a signing was expected to ensue. We now have that confirmation as the four-time All-Pro signed a one-year deal worth $3 million, but Terry Fontenot also signed a more important veteran for the defense — Duron Harmon.
We have signed RB Cordarrelle Patterson and S Duron Harmon.
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) April 15, 2021
I have long preached about the team signing Harmon, and about a week ago, I wrote an article on how the fit is perfect.
Duron Harmon could be a perfect fit in Dean Pees’ switching defense because of his versatility as a free safety. During the 2018 season, the Titans dialed up a nickel personnel package on 73% of defensive snaps — ninth-most in the NFL, according to Football Outsiders. His defense needs multiple safeties who are versatile enough to be on the field and defend the run, pass, and rush the passer. Pees’ defense has a “type,” and it is safeties who can cover tight ends and running backs man-to-man but are also able to support the run from the box or nickel spot.
This might not be the blockbuster signing that fans were hoping for, but let me be the first to tell you that Harmon is going to be exceptional in Pees’ defense. Fontenot has a free-agent type: one-year deals with high-character veterans. He’s a fit schematically and culturally, as he’s exemplified the Patriot way, named team captain in New England and Detroit as many still herald his leadership. Fans should be excited about Duron Harmon.
You must log in to post a comment.