The Atlanta Falcons defense gave up 22.7 points per game and 231.9 passing yards per contest in 2022. While both of these numbers were improvements from their 2021 season totals, the Falcons still ranked near the bottom of the league in total sacks (21).
The team hired defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen away from the Saints to help fix its lifeless pass rush, but the defense also needs an injection of talent. This is where free agency comes in, and the Falcons will have nearly $60 million in salary cap space in 2023.
On Saturday, we predicted what Atlanta’s offense could look like after free agency. Now let’s take a stab at predicting what the Falcons defense may look like following the 2023 free agency period.
DE: Ta'Quon Graham
DT: Grady Jarrett
DT: Daron Payne (Free Agent)
DE: Arnold Ebiketie
LB: Troy Andersen
MLB: Rashaan Evans (Free Agent)
LB: Mykal Walker
CB: A.J. Terrell
CB: Casey Hayward
Nickel CB: Isaiah Oliver (Free Agent)
S: Richie Grant
S: Adrian Amos (Free Agent)
Projected offensive starters (after free agency)
Predicting what the #Falcons’ starting offensive lineup could look like in 2023 after free agency https://t.co/lwRy6BtECD
— The Falcons Wire (@TheFalconsWire) February 11, 2023