The biggest surprise for the Atlanta Falcons this season has been the performance of their defensive line. In the absence of starting edge rushers James Pearce and Jalon Walker, this unit was expected to suffer. Instead they have thrived.
While there isn't a standout star in the bunch, the group has collectively punched well above their weight, producing one of the league's best pass rushes and run defenses.
If there is a No. 1 guy in the group so far it's edge rusher Cameron Thomas, who's managed to be the most-disruptive defender for a unit where everyone is playing relatively well.
Thomas has been named one of the top-10 free agent signings in the NFL this year by Garrett Podell at CBS Sports. He was ranked fifth on the list.
"Thomas' 22 quarterback
pressures are tied for ninth in the NFL, and he also has 2.0 sacks this season. Thomas has multiple pressures in all five games this season and at least three in each of the last four games. His arrival is one of the reasons the Falcons are much more energetic in 2026 than they were in 2025."
When the Falcons signed Thomas back in March, he agreed to a one-year dealworth just under $3.1 million.
That's a grand bargain for what the Falcons are getting from him. Heading into Week 6 Thomas has totaled two sacks, 10 quarterback hits, one tackle for a loss, one forced fumble and one pass breakups.
However the rest of this season plays out, Matt Ryan and Ian Cunningham have to seriously consider re-signing Thomas to a long-term deal.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons made one of NFL's 10 best free-agent signings
