Disclaimer: The statements and opinions regarding players and/or potential future players in the article below are those of the AtlantaFalcons.com editorial staff and are not indicative of the Atlanta Falcons' football personnel unless noted in a direct quote.
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — New year, same problem.
The Atlanta Falcons are in need of an edge rusher after totaling the second-fewest sacks in the NFL last season. Once again, there’s pressure to find pressure. Whether that's through free agency or the draft doesn't matter. Perhaps both.
Free agency, however, is up first on the calendar, beginning on March 12 with the official start of the new league year. The Falcons' wallet isn't exactly in spending shape just yet — their cap space is in the red by more than $11 million, according to Over the Cap — but with some maneuvering, it could get there. Or at least in better standing.
Until then, below are five edge rushers – four external, one internal – the Falcons could consider if they can make the finances work.
Khalil Mack
Age: 33 years old
2024 team: Los Angeles Chargers
2024 stats: 16 starts, 16 appearances | 39 tackles, 20 solo | 15 QB hits, 6 sacks | 1 fumble recovery, 2 forced fumbles, 9 pass breakups
The interest: Mack is arguably the top free agent at his position. Even though he'll be 34 years old by the time the 2025 season begins, Mack has proven he's still a productive edge rusher, basically having a late-career resurgence with the Chargers. He had a team-high 17 sacks in 2023 and then a second-best six sacks in 2024. Prior to 2023, his last season with double-digit sacks was in 2018 with the Chicago Bears, when he was 27. So, unless Mack decides to retire, the three-time All-Pro first-teamer and nine-time Pro Bowler has build his career by wreaking havoc on offenses. (Contract info via Over the Cap)
Josh Sweat
Age: 27 years old
2024 team: Philadelphia Eagles
2024 stats: 15 starts, 16 appearances | 41 tackles, 27 solo | 15 QBHits, 8 sacks | 2 pass breakups
The interest: Sweat had 2.5 sacks against Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes to help the Eagles win the Super Bowl earlier this month, so recency bias is definitely in play here. Sweat hadn't recorded a sack since the Eagles' Week 15 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he posted a team-high eight sacks in the regular season. Sweat has a total of 33 sacks since his first and only Pro Bowl season in 2021. (Contract info via Over the Cap)
Chase Young
Age: 25 years old
2024 team: New Orleans Saints
2024 stats: 17 appearances | 31 tackles, 21 solo | 21 QBHits, 5.5 sacks | 1 forced fumble, 3 pass breakups
The interest: Young's 5.5 sacks in 2024 tied for second most on the Saints. They were his most, though, for a single team since his rookie season in 2020. He registered 7.5 sacks as the Washington Commanders' No. 2 overall draft pick, but injuries held him back during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. During the 2023 season, the Commanders traded Young to the San Francisco 49ers. Between those two stops, he totaled 7.5 sacks again – five with the Commanders, 2.5 with the 49ers. The Saints then scooped him up in free agency on a one-year deal. While he has not yet reached his lofty draft expectations, it would appear that as long as Young remains healthy, he can be an asset to a team's pass rush. (Contract info via Over the Cap)
Joshua Uche
Age: 26 years old
2024 team: New England Patriots/Kansas City Chiefs
2024 stats: 1 start, 13 appearances | 23 tackles, 17 solo | 3 QBHits, 2 sacks
The interest: Uche didn't have the flashiest season last year, but he may be the more financially realistic option for the Falcons. And he has shown, at least in one season, he can be a sack machine. In 2022, his third year in the league, Uche finished second on the New England Patriots with 11.5 sacks. The only Patriots player ahead of him that season was Matthew Judon, who couldn't replicate his double-digit work with the Falcons in 2024. Uche, though, is six years younger and maybe hasn't peaked yet. In the right role, Uche has shown potential as a situational rusher. (Contract info via Over the Cap)
In-house pick: Lorenzo Carter
Age: 29 years old
2024 team: Atlanta Falcons
2024 stats: 11 starts, 13 appearances | 32 tackles, 23 solo | 2 QBHits | 1 forced fumble
The interest: Carter isn't an unknown variable, having been in Atlanta since 2022. The issue is, Carter has taken a step back each year amidst a lot of coaching change. He went from starting every game in 2022 to just one start in 2023 and then 11 starts this past season. He also went from four sacks to three to none. The reason he could be chosen over Judon, at least for a re-sign scenario, comes down to finances. Carter is likely going to be cheaper. (Contract info via Over the Cap)
