Defensive tackle Geno Atkins is expected to be cleared by July 1, a source tells Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). That’s good news for the free agent, who should be ready to go for training camp later in the month. RapSheet adds that multiple teams have expressed interest in Atkins.
Atkins have his torn rotator cuff checked out by Cowboys team doctor Dan Cooper in a few weeks, Rapoport hears. For now, that’s just an appointment — not a Cowboys visit. Still, they may want to meet with Atkins while he’s in Dallas. If not, Atkins should hold appeal for plenty of other teams as a low-risk, high-reward type of signing. Even the Bengals have indicated that they’d be interested in a reunion, despite cutting him in March.
“Geno is one of the greatest players in franchise history and one of the best defensive tackles of the last decade,” exec Duke Tobin said in April. “He gave us what he had last year…We’ll see if there are things that can be worked out. If it is, great. If not, I think we’ve got other guys that can fill the role.”
Atkins fought through a shoulder injury throughout 2020. He suited up for just eight games in total, and, even when he was healthy, he wasn’t happy about his playing time. His final tally: zero sacks and zero starts. It was a sharp drop from his pre-extension season in 2017, when he finished out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 2 ranked interior defender.
Before all of that, he was a perennial Pro Bowler. Once he’s healthy, Atkins could be a difference-maker for contenders in need.
Trade the orange and black for orange and brown
Atkins could still be a solid player, when he’s healthy, and likely on a limited snap count.
He will end up going to a contender, and he can probably give them some quality play on roughly a 30% or so snap count usage.
Then again, maybe he still has more left in the tank, but one thing is for sure, whichever team that signs him is getting a HOF teammate and a great man
Now this will be a perfect fit for the Packers
Stubby66: If the Packers don’t get the Rodgers situation resolved, they’ll be a contender for a top 10 pick in the 2022 Draft, IMHO.
That’s assuming the packers know what they are doing.
Boy would he look good alongside Khalil Mack, Aileen Hicks, Eddie Goldman and Bills Nichols…that’s a stout rotation to save Atkins legs and health…and Hicks by that same logic
Time for an Atkins/Zimmer Reunion Tour, I think. The Vikings could use some more pass rushers, and he’d slot right in as the back-up 3-tech and #3 man in the interior DL rotation.
I agree with my guy, a reunion with Zimmer is in order!