Stop me if you've heard this one before: the Atlanta Falcons need pass-rushing help.
After the team experienced a resurgence off the edge last fall, the team is likely to be without its top-two 2025 NFL Draft selections to start the 2026 season... one of them could miss the entire year altogether.
Outside linebacker Jalon Walker, poised for a breakout season in 2026, is feared to have torn his ACL in training camp on Tuesday, while outside linebacker James Pearce Jr. likely faces a suspension for an offseason incident that left him arrested and with serious charges for which he reached a pre-trail diversion.
The Falcons have, ahem, never really been known to get after the quarterback, and 2026 sounds like it will be a tough regression back to desperation
on personnel alone. However, could the Falcons buffet these losses with a free agent? Let's take a look at five veterans who hypothetically make sense for Atlanta off the edge.
OLB Haason Reddick
Reddick played for Ulbrich with the New York Jets in 2024 and played for the NFC South Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2025. He's the most seamless fit available of a new player who knows the scheme and fills a huge need.
OLB Joey Bosa
Bosa is still a free agent; the Falcons might be smart to see how much gas he has left in the tank. He could start for Atlanta on the defensive line and provide a needed pop. However, would he actually want to go to Atlanta?
OLB Leonard Floyd
Bringing back Floyd, who played for the Falcons in 2025, might be the easiest answer. He played decently well in Ulbrich's scheme last fall, even if his numbers (3.5 sacks, 6 tackles) weren't as gaudy.
OLB Kyle Van Noy
Van Noy would give the team some versatility off the edge and at linebacker, which is what the team was banking on with Walker this fall. His 2025 wasn't nearly as strong as his previous seasons, but he could probably still ball out.
DE Derek Barnett
Barnett has always been a steady presence off the edge, posting five sacks for the Houston Texans last season. We could see the Falcons adding him into the mix with Walker's likely injury.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: 5 Falcons pass-rushing options to possibly replace Jalon Walker
