If there’s been one area of the Falcons defense that hasn’t been pulling their weight, it’s the edge group.
Bud Dupree has seen the most action, but he hasn’t been that impact pass rusher like this group needs. Arnold Ebiketie has actually begun to work with the off-ball linebackers in a new development that is very concerning.
Atlanta’s defense is a top 10 unit; Ryan Nielsen’s group is missing just one thing — an impact edge defender to get after the quarterback.
PFF has begun a new series that suggests free agents and draft prospects for teams. Much of them for the Falcons has revolved around receivers, but their most recent piece suggests Atlanta target Carl Lawson in free agency this offseason.
Lawson is a top trade deadline candidate to monitor over the next few weeks and is playing in 2023 on a reworked contract that is set to expire. Lawson tore his Achilles in 2021 and hasn’t quite looked like the same player since, but he still earned a 72.8 pass-rush grade with 49 pressures and eight sacks in 2022.
Lawson has been slowly phased out of the Jets’ defensive gameplan, totaling only 52 defensive snaps with no sacks through New York’s loss in Week 4 to the Chiefs.
“I haven’t really been healthy all season, but I’m functional; I’m getting healthier,” Lawson said. “I definitely wanted to go out there and compete, but on the bright side of things, it gave me another chance to get my body right.”
Lawson signed a three-year deal worth $45 million with the Jets in 2021, but he missed the entire first season of the contract with a torn Achilles. The veteran says he’s getting closer and closer to the player that warranted that $15 million per year contract, though.
“I’m starting to feel a little more explosive right now. So just keep working, that’s all I can do. I know I’m going to continue to get better, regardless of what else is going on.”
Even without being fully healthy, he managed seven sacks and one forced fumble in 17 games last season. He fits the Falcons scheme, and it will undoubtedly be an area that Atlanta will have to address this offseason. Moreover, the lack of production with the Jets should lower his price tag this offseason.
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