Atlanta Falcons Should Bring Back Defensive End Adrian Clayborn

The Atlanta Falcons should bring back former defensive end Adrian Clayborn. Clayborn would give the team a much-needed pass rusher and more depth on defense.

Adrian Clayborn was one of the better Atlanta Falcons pass rushers during their Super Bowl run. He provided consistent pressure and always was a great option to shuffle in and out of the defensive lineup.

Clayborn signed with the New England Patriots and played out one season of his contract before being cut. Clayborn struggled with the Patriots registering only 2.5 sacks during his time in New England.

Atlanta could likely sign Clayborn for a bargain price and help strengthen the biggest weakness on their team. Their inability to mount a consistent pass rush was the biggest problem for a bad 2018 defense.

Clayborn wouldn’t be a starter for Atlanta but more of a situational pass rusher, much as they used him and fellow pass rusher Brooks Reed in 2016.

The Falcons defense will receive a big boost from the draft as well. After signing primarily offensive players in free agency Atlanta is expected to focus almost entirely on their defense during the 2019 NFL draft.

A great idea considering the lack of talent along the defensive line and need for depth in the secondary.

Adding in a draft of defensive talent and veterans like Adrian Clayborn should help the Falcons bounce back and get them back to the playoffs.

The biggest problem for the Falcons will be signing any free agents considering their lack of cap space and amount of players they need to sign long term.

Julio Jones and Grady Jarret are at the top of that list both of whom will command a significant amount of the Falcon’s cap space.

What little cap space they do have left should be used signing veteran pieces like Adrian Clayborn to help put the Falcons over the top. More to come as the Falcons off-season continues.