A year ago, the Falcons finished last in the league with 19 sacks. So, a month ahead of the 2016 season, they brought in an experienced, aging pass rusher who revitalized his career last year.
The next destination of Dwight Freeney's career is Atlanta. As first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter, Freeney is signing a one-year deal with the Falcons. The Falcons then made the news official.
Welcome to Atlanta, @dwightfreeney!
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) August 2, 2016
READ: https://t.co/C6OxaAA9i1#RiseUppic.twitter.com/xHC4ipXNQt
It's tough to judge the deal without seeing the financial side of it, but sign me up as a fan of it. Freeney is old, 36, but he proved last year that he can bring something to a defense. In 2015, Freeney notched eight sacks in 11 games for the Cardinals.
As for his career numbers, well, those aren't in dispute. He ranks 19th all time with 119.5 sacks and, as the Falcons noted in their press release, he ranks third with 47 career forced fumbles.
Put him in the right spot and Freeney should thrive in a division that features quarterbacks like Drew Brees and Cam Newton. The Falcons, who will pair Freeney with Vic Beasley, could use someone like him:
Dwight Freeney had a pass rushing productivity of 15 when rushing from the right, 2nd best for edge rushers. Will sign with Falcons
— Nathan Jahnke (@PFF_NateJahnke) August 2, 2016
The Cowboys also could've used Freeney's help, especially with everything that's happened to Randy Gregory and DeMarcus Lawrence this offseason. Both pass rushers are facing four-game bans, and Gregory reportedly checked himself into rehab and could be facing a lengthier suspension.
Still, the team passed on the chance to sign Freeney.
How and why the #Cowboys did not sign Dwight Freeney escapes me. Need pass rush and the guy had 8 sacks in 9 games in 2015.
— Luke Rodgers (@thelukerodgers) August 2, 2016
According to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport, Freeney chose Atlanta over Cincinnati, which is kind of strange considering the Bengals are a legit playoff team while the Falcons haven't made the postseason since 2012.