Atlanta Falcons Moving on From Adrian Clayborn
By Kit Anderson
The Atlanta Falcons seem likely to move on from Adrian Clayborn. Clayborn will be the third key member of the Falcon’s defensive line to hit the open market. Letting Clayborn go may be tough but it’s the right decision.
Adrian Clayborn jumped to national attention against America’s team racking up over half of his 9.5 sacks in a single game. Clayborn is a solid edge rusher but seems to have an inflated market due to a single game.
Recent reports have made it clear that Clayborn is set to hit the open market and is unlikely to spend any more time in Atlanta.
Adrian Clayborn is an extremely productive role player. Meaning when he can be cycled in and out of the defensive line in Coach Dan Quinn’s system he is productive. That doesn’t make him irreplaceable or worth the salary he will be looking for.
Using that cap space to add a top pass rusher in free agency or drafting and adding to the Falcon’s youthful speed are both options that the Falcons will now explore.
Adrian Clayborn will be missed in the Falcon’s rotation but they are making the right decision considering the interest that he is generating.
Letting Clayborn leave will put even more pressure on the Falcons to add a pass rushing threat and add pressure for Vic Beasley to return to playing at the level he did in 2016.
Dontari Poe and Adrian Clayborn both departing via free agency will hurt the Falcon’s defense. Even with the key departures the Falcons can still be one of the top defenses in the NFL if they can add a run stopper up the middle and depth to the secondary.
Clayborn’s time as a Falcon has come to an end. It was a memorable tenure with one of the best sack performances in NFL history.