May 24, 2013 09:25 AM EDT
NFL Free Agency Rumors: Atlanta Falcons, Richard Seymour Negotiating Contract, Former Georgia Bulldog Expected to Sign with Team

The Atlanta Falcons have made several offseason moves to improve a team that came nine yards from making it to the Super Bowl in 2013. They focused on defense in the draft and signed several veterans to fill other vacant holes on the roster. After grabbing running back Steven Jackson and defensive end Osi Umenyiora during free agency, the team is now looking to sign Richard Seymour to give them that last factor for a championship team.

Seymour is one of the few remaining veteran free agents left on the market. After being released from the Oakland Raiders, it has been speculated the Falcons would be interested in the defensive lineman. They waited around to see what other teams would offer him before beginning contract negotiations. Interest has been low surrounding Seymour so the Falcons will likely get him for a good deal considering the team does not have much wiggle room in cap space.

Seymour is very familiar with the Atlanta area. He has been training in the city during the offseason. He is a former Georgia Bulldog so a return to his former state could prove productive for the 33-year old. The four-time Pro Bowler is a perfect fit for the Falcons. When he is healthy, he plays at a very high level and would be a significant upgrade to a defensive line that will be forced to go up against the likes of several mobile quarterbacks including Cam Newton and Russell Wilson. Atlanta finished with 29 sacks in 2012, and a strong pass rushing unit was a great need for the team.

Atlanta is significantly tight on cap space at the moment, but if they can hold off signing Seymour until after June 1, they can give him a better deal. Tyson Clabo's contract will be almost completely off the books and the Falcons will have $4.5 million to work with that the transaction. When Matt Ryan signs his contract extension, it will also free up for space when the summer rolls around.

Defense has been the biggest focus for Atlanta since losing in the NFC Championship. They picked up key secondary pieces in the draft including cornerbacks Marcus Trufant and Robert Alford. Pairing Seymour with Umenyiora could be what the Falcons need to keep pace with the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers.

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