The Atlanta Falcons will be in the market for a defensive tackle this offseason. General manager Thomas Dimitroff said Wednesday at the NFL scouting combine that Dontari Poe will likely be a tough keep for the Falcons next season.
After one season in Atlanta, the veteran’s price tag might be too high for the Falcons to invest in, leaving Grady Jarrett as the only experienced defensive tackle on the roster.
While Atlanta might look to the draft to fill the void, ESPN.com's Charles McDonald suggested a bold move the Falcons could make in free agency is to sign defensive tackle Muhammad Wilkerson.
Wilkerson, 28, was released by the New York Jets on Wednesday two years after he signed a five-year, $86 million extension with the team. Through his first five years in the NFL, he racked up 52.5 sacks and was named to the 2015 Pro Bowl. However in the last two seasons, he has recorded just eight sacks. Plus an ongoing strife with the coaching staff lead to his release.
“A one year "prove-it" deal for a contender-level team makes a lot of sense for both sides,” McDonald wrote. “ Players have thrived in the environment and system that coach Dan Quinn has installed within the Falcons' defense, and perhaps Wilkerson can be the next player to rekindle his flame in Atlanta.”
The Falcons primary objective is to sign quarterback Matt Ryan to an extension this offseason. Atlanta has around $12 million in cap space this offseason.
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