It’s going to take more than a few draft picks for the Atlanta Falcons to fix their defense this offseason. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has his hands full taking over a unit that ranked 23rd in both points and yards allowed in 2024.
Since the Falcons are short on salary cap space (-$11 million), general manager Terry Fontenot will have to find a way to create extra space. That hasn’t been a problem for Fontenot in the past, but it’s tough to imagine the team landing another big-name free agent in 2025.
ESPN’s Matt Bowen listed the best team fits for the top 50 NFL free agents. Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood was named the Falcons’ best fit in free agency, with Bowen citing his prior relationship with Ulbrich in New York:
Sherwood could follow new Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich from New York to Atlanta. A three-down linebacker who is trending up at this stage of his career, Sherwood posted 154 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and three pass breakups with the Jets last season. He can play downhill with speed, cutting off the ball and pursuing the edges. The Falcons need playmakers on defense. — Matt Bowen, ESPN
While Sherwood would be a nice addition to Atlanta’s defense, the team has decent depth at inside linebacker. Kaden Elliss is coming off a Pro Bowl-caliber season and the team still has second-round pick Troy Andersen, who played well before his injury.
Nate Landman is a restricted free agent, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see him back in Atlanta. Plus, the team selected JD Bertrand in the fifth round of last year’s draft. Bertrand was one of the few rookies to receive consistent playing time last season.
With Lorenzo Carter and Matthew Judon potentially on the way out, the Falcons could use some help at outside linebacker. Sherwood could potentially help but it will likely come down to his asking price.