Latest On Falcons, Dwight Freeney

The Falcons are not signing Dwight Freeney today, coach Dan Quinn told reporters (including Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com). However, a signing has not been ruled out for down the road. Dwight Freeney (vertical)

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Freeney, 36, visited with the Falcons today. Strictly a pass-rushing specialist at this stage of his career, Freeney has not found a ripe market for his services despite coming off of a surprisingly strong season. Freeney didn’t hook on with the Cardinals until midway through the 2015 campaign, but he made up for lost time by racking up 8 sacks in 11 games. In 2015, the advanced stats at Pro Football Focus (subscription required) rated Freeney as (tied) for the 51st best edge rusher in the NFL out of 110 qualified players.

The Falcons are not necessarily hard up for edge rushers, but Freeney could be a fit for Dan Quinn‘s aggressive defensive scheme. The Falcons are currently slated to start Vic Beasley and Derrick Shelby at defensive end with support from Adrian Clayborn and Tyson Jackson. Recently, former NFL head coach and current analyst Mike Nolan opined that the Falcons should sign Freeney to improve their quarterback pressure. Last season, the Falcons finished with a league-worst 19 sacks.

Last month, Freeney also visited the Bengals, but it is not clear if talks are still active between the two sides.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

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