Free Agency Targets - DT
A bumper FA class and a huge need for the Falcons, DT is the obvious place to start our Free Agent Targets Series
What is very apparent when looking at the free agent class is that defensive tackle looks like a position whose market is about to get reset in a big way. With multiple quality tackles hitting the market at the same time we can be sure to see some eye watering contracts handed out. While on the one hand this is good for a Falcons team in desperate need of additions at the position, it is also slightly alarming that the market may explode out of control.
While we can all get excited by the thought of adding legitimate talent to accompany Grady Jarrett; the Falcons need to be careful not to allow themselves to get ‘played’ by the market as their huge need + available cash will mean player agents will enter negotiations licking their lips.
Below is list of potential DT options with a more detailed look at some of the higher profile players. While varying in quality and playing style the Falcons needs are so extensive it wouldn’t be a shock to see more than 1 end up in red and black.
Note: due to their status as a rebuilding team we have left off certain players we assume will be looking to join a contender.
Javon Hargrave
Probably the prize of the class Hargrave remains one of the best interior lineman in the league. While at the older side Hargrave shows no signs of slowing down as can be seen by his 57 pressures this season (6 below his career high, set last year).
The risks with Hargrave would be as mentioned age, and money. Hargrave is coming off one big contract but he will surely be looking to cash in and join the $20+ million a year club. For as good a player he is such a contract would mean the Falcons suddenly have almost $40 million tied up at DT for 2 players both of whom are about to cross 30. For all they need huge help this sort of investment may arguably be too aggressive for a team who, as they said this week, are not getting ahead of themselves.
PFF Pass Rushing Productivity Ranking Among DT’s (min 50% of snaps): 2nd
Interest level: Low
Da’Ron Payne
Will surely be in the running for player to be most ‘mocked’ to Atlanta by Falcons fans as we run up to free agency. The reasoning is fairly self evident, Payne is a young, ascending pass rusher who has improved every year in the league. No brainer right?
Maybe, while Payne is absolutely one of the most exciting interior pass rushers in the league his skillset is very similar to that of Grady Jarrett. At present we are unsure what defensive scheme the team will be running next year but you would be concerned about having two players of similar skillsets on big $$ contracts. While they would absolutely be a great fit on passing downs Payne isn’t a do it all type and can be susceptible vs the run, despite his 320lb frame.
Pass Rushing Productivity Ranking Among DT’s (min 50% of snaps): 14th
Interest level: Medium
Dre’Mont Jones
In many ways Jones is a similar fit to Payne. A young, pass rush specialist whose game continues to evolve and grow. The difference, most fans have never heard of Dre’Mont Jones. Now, Jones is far more of a DPR than Payne, Payne after all is listed at 320lbs while Jones is 280lb and as such much more pigeonholed in his role.
However, while free agency does sometimes throw in some wildly surprising contracts Jones will surely be available for a far smaller sum than Payne while arguably bringing similar production. (Jones had a better snaps per pass rush than Payne this year and has racked up 138 pressures over his first 4 seasons, compared to Payne’s 134 over the same period).
Pass Rushing Productivity Ranking Among DT’s (min 50% of snaps): 11th
Interest level: Medium
Zach Allen
Another undersized pass rusher, Allen has taken a huge leap this year and will surely get rewarded with a big contract.
While Allen’s 2022 was absolutely impressive he does come with more risks attached as he missed the end of the season after a hand injury sustained in Week 14 vs the Patriots and is essentially coming off 1 season of ‘elite’ production.
Pass Rushing Productivity Ranking Among DT’s (min 50% of snaps): 28th
Interest level: Low/Medium
David Onyemata
Along with fellow Saint Marcus Davenport, Onyemata is a player who will be often linked to Atlanta thanks to his previous acquaintance with Terry Fontenot.
Perhaps unlike most of the previous names on this list Onyemata is a more versatile player having played as part of the Saints DL rotation. Despite never playing full starter snaps at any point of his career Onyemata has been highly productive, ranking top 10 among DT’s in PFF’s pass rushing productivity metric in both 2020, and 2021.
It should be noted that last season Onyemata missed the first 6 weeks of the season through suspension after blowing hot on a PED test. This coupled with his age would maybe give you hope that Onyemata could be available on a shorter term deal and thus not tie down money longterm.
Pass Rushing Productivity Ranking Among DT’s (min 50% of snaps): 19th
Interest Level: Medium
Dalvin Tomlinson
Certainly not the sexiest name on the list but Tomlinson is exactly the type of player the Falcons should be interested in. Dependable, versatile and probably for a fraction of the cost of some of the others on this list. Tomlinson would be a great addition in Atlanta and would be the perfect great running mate for Grady Jarrett.
Pass Rushing Productivity Ranking Among DT’s (min 50% of snaps): 19th
Interest Level: High
Sheldon Rankins
Another former Saint, Rankins would be another solid option, particularly if, as expected the top of the market goes crazy.
Similar to Tomlinson, Rankins brings production both vs the pass and the run and he is another of the secondary level FA’s the Falcons may go after.
Pass Rushing Productivity Ranking Among DT’s (min 50% of snaps): 33rd
Interest Level: Medium
Other players who would be of interest include Teair Tart from the Titans. After two years of minimal snaps Tart broke out this season as part of the Titans rotation and entering year 4 can surely be expected to continue ascending for the next couple of seasons.
Chris Wormley found himself lost in the Eagles DT shuffle this year as his snaps and production dropped off but the previous year Wormley was a very solid player for the Eagles and could potentially be a value signing.
Similar to Wormley, Greg Gaines is coming off a down year but when you look back to last season he put up 46 pressures. While his lack of production this year would concern the Rams were a mess for most of the season while Gaines may be another looking for a one year ‘prove it’ contract before cashing in on a long term deal.
There are of course many players we’ve failed to mention but hopefully this has covered some of the bigger names at the position and unearthed a couple of potential sleepers to keep an eye on.