The Atlanta Falcons need to fill big defensive holes during the 2015 free agency run. With Dan Quinn in at head coach, the defense will take focus as he determines which players fit his scheme and which simply do not. The Falcons need a pass rusher badly. The team ranked towards the bottom in sacks last year and need a big body to pressure the quarterback. That was supposed to be Osi Umenyiora, but after hinting at retirement the veteran is not expected to be back.
Reports surfaced that Umenyiora was considering retirement after his contract with the Falcons expired on March 10. The defensive end just finished his 11th season and had signed with the Falcons in hopes of being a cornerstone player for their defense. However, instead the Falcons finished 6-10 in 2014 while Umenyiora went out with a whimper. The veteran is making it clear that he does not want to end his career this way, but a return to the Falcons is very unlikely.
"Zero plans to retire at this moment," Umenyiora said, via ESPN. "I feel like I can still play, No. 1. The way things ended last year, I'm just not going to end my career like that. That's not going to happen. I feel like when put in the right situation and given the opportunity to play, I would still be able to help somebody. I want to end the way it's supposed to end. Do I expect to get a look from the Falcons? Absolutely. I think I did the right things when I was there, especially last year. I did and said all the right things, and I'm in great shape. Whether or not they decide to re-sign me, that's another story. But do I expect them to look into it? I would think so."
The Falcons are looking at big upgrades t Umenyiora's position and will likely pass on the veteran. NJ.com is reporting a return to the New York Giants could be his future move. Instead, the Falcons will look to the free agent market for help at the position. Players like Just Houston, Cliff Avril and Brian Orakpo could be the favorites for Quinn. The team has also looked at several rookies in the draft including Dante Fowler Jr out of Florida and Vic Beasley out of Clemson.
The Falcons will also look to re-sign Sean Weatherspoon who they hope will be healthy come 2015. Kroy Biermann will also be considered for a contract. Atlanta has already announced that both Cliff Matthews and Patrick DiMarco will return for next season. Quinn is going to try and duplicate the defense of the Seattle Seahawks in Atlanta, but will need player upgrades to do so.