The Atlanta Falcons made defensive depth a priority in the offseason and so far they have done a solid job at making sure that goal is met. The team has signed Tyson Jackson, Paul Soliai and Javier Arenas for help and is still looking at the NFL Draft for even more players to create depth and size on the line. However, with several signings could come more releases, but not to the unit's two biggest stars.
According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Osi Umenyiora will remain with the Atlanta Falcons at the same salary he was originally signed to. There had been plenty of speculation that Umenyiora could find himself a cap casualty given his salary and lackluster production in 2013. However, that will not be the case as the veteran defensive end will remain exactly where he is.
In 2013, Umenyiora put up 7.5 sacks while starting 13 games last season. Those numbers are certainly not where Umenyiora used to be, but given the lack of production the Falcons' defense put up as a whole, 7.5 sacks is pretty impressive. Umenyiora is a $4.75 million salary cap hit in 2014 and ProFootballTalk.com originally reported that the defensive end had been asked to take a pay cut and risked getting released if he denied one.
"I'm a team guy, especially right now," Umenyiora said, via the Atlanta Journal Constitution. "For the team, I don't think it's been quite as good this year. Hopefully, we can get this thing corrected next year. But for me, you know, I just didn't help this team (enough). Right now, my whole focus is going in there and doing the best I can."
Along with Umenyiora, Kroy Biermann will also be returning to the Atlanta Falcons at his same salary. The defensive end suffered a season-ending Achilles tear. His absence was felt in a big way in 2013. A leader on the defense, the Falcons were quick to announce that Biermann would be returning at his original cap number of $5.08 million.
Even with the several defensive upgrades in free agency, the Falcons are still the leading candidate to make a trade up in the draft for Jadeveon Clowney in May. The Falcons have depth, but not a lot of youth. The team is eyeing Clowney as the potential future pass rusher for the team. They have also taken a look at Khalil Mack for linebacker help along with several offensive linemen.