Falcons free agents, Part II: Which 2023 defensive players should re-sign with Atlanta in 2024?
Seven defensive players are set to become free agents next week, how many should the Falcons consider re-signing?
Free agency is rapidly approaching, and the Falcons will look both outside and inside the building to fill out the team in 2024.
From the previous 2023 roster, 18 players are set to hit the open market Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET. Some of those players could become pieces under Raheem Morris in his first season in Atlanta.
At the end of Calais Campbell’s 16th NFL season, the 37-year-old defensive end said he was leaning toward playing another year. If he decides to return for his 17th, he could still be an asset for the Falcons.
Campbell recorded 6.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 17 quarterback hits and a safety in 2023. One of those sacks turned the counter to 100 total sacks in his career, a feat only 41 other players have reached in recorded NFL history. Not many play in this league beyond 37 years old, let alone have a season like Campbell did. It also should be noted Campbell played in 68% of the Falcons defensive snaps in 2023, too.
Beyond his on-field abilities, Campbell provided a presence in the locker room that many looked up to, from a first-year player like Zach Harrison to a tenured veteran like Grady Jarrett. That kind of leadership speaks volumes for a Falcons team looking to change the tide.
Bud Dupree, OLB
The Falcons saw an uptick in sacks from last season to this season, jumping from 21 sacks in 2022 to 42 in 2023. Bud Dupree played a significant role in that. The Georgia native accounted for 6.5 sacks while also recording eight quarterback hits. It was Dupree’s most productive year since his final season with Pittsburgh in 2020. Dupree, a former first-round pick, was drafted by the Steelers 22nd overall in 2015.
Depending on if the Falcons decide to add another pass rusher in the draft, the veteran presence Dupree provides could help a rookie along while also providing key depth and substance at the position.
