The Atlanta Falcons needed some turnover on defense and it took place in the opening weeks of free agency. The Falcons released Grady Jarrett before he signed with the Chicago Bears and they’ve added edge rusher Leonard Floyd on the open market.
With the Falcons doing significant homework on the defensive players in this year’s draft class, it’s not a shock that Atlanta’s group will look different next season. But one departure revealed why he left Atlanta and it had little to do with the Falcons’ performance on the field.
Former Falcons Linebacker Nate Landman Sought “Homecoming” With Rams
Nate Landman signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Rams last week and was introduced to the media on Wednesday. When asked about why he chose Los Angeles, Landman explained that it was a chance to move closer to friends and family.
“A lot of my friends from high school moved down here and took jobs down here,” Landman said via SI’s Daniel Flick. “I’m excited to be back on the west coast and see those guys. My parents are a short flight away and all my siblings either live in California or Nevada. It’s just a cool opportunity to spend more time together and kind of enjoy this new chapter.”
Landman, who was born in Zimbabwe but moved to California early in his life, was an ascending player for the Falcons after he joined the team as an undrafted free agent out of Colorado. After a quiet rookie season, Landman broke out with 110 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, two sacks, three pass defenses, three forced fumbles and an interception in 2023.
The arrival of head coach Raheem Morris and defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake helped Landman turn in another solid season with 81 total tackles in 13 games but it may have paved his way to Los Angeles.
Lake was fired as the Falcons defensive coordinator at the end of last season but Landman revealed he struck up a relationship that helped recruit him to the Rams. With Los Angeles having principles that Morris established during his time as defensive coordinator, Landman believes he found the perfect fit in a franchise that has made the playoffs in six of the past eight seasons.
“For me, a lot of things went into it,” Landman said. “One is the success of this program. Two, I’m a West Coast kid. Growing up in California and coming back home was a clear choice. Then, I built a pretty strong relationship last year with Jimmy Lake. All those things combined allowed for an easy decision. Just super excited to be here, grateful for the opportunity and excited to get rolling.”
While there’s excitement for Landman, the Falcons must move on as Arnold Ebiketie, Troy Andersen and Kaden Elliss are projected to start for Atlanta next season.