Dan Quinn wants to build a defense for the Atlanta Falcons that is focused speed and toughness. The unit has left a lot to be desired over the past two seasons and Quinn is stepping in as head coach to change the system. In return, that will change the approach Atlanta takes in free agency in how they evaluate players. With the market opening in just a over a week, the Falcons are ready to spend some money.
According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the Falcons are taking a lot of interest in getting a deal done with Brian Orakpo who is a free agent with the Washington Redskins. It is unknown if the Falcons will actually be able to get him or not. According to Dianna Marie Russini of NBC Washington, the Redskins are working on getting a deal done with the linebacker before he can talk to teams after they forced him into the franchise tag last season.
Orakpo negotiations are stalling, likely because of his injury history. The linebacker is recovering for his third torn pectoral muscle, something that caused him to play just seven games last season. However, most teams believe Orakpo can still be a threat when healthy and that is what the Falcons need. Orakpo excels in a 3-4 defensive lineup, acting as a premier pass rusher. The Falcons are concentrating heavily on that area in both free agency and the draft and Orakpo is a worthy target.
The team is also keeping an eye on secondary upgrades. In need of getting better in that area, Devin McCourty possibly jumped to the top of their list. Most expected the New England Patriots to use their franchise tag on the safety, but that went to their kicker instead, making McCourty an unrestricted free agent in a week. The safety has said he would like to re-sign with the team, but expect the Falcons to make a run at him.
The Falcons are determining which of their free agents will stay put next week. Quinn has made it clear he would love to re-sign Sean Weatherspoon which could force out Kroy Biermann and Osi Umenyiora. Dwight Lowery and Robert McClain are also uncertain to return. If a deal for McCourty can get done, it is unlikely either player come back unless they accept smaller deals.