Atlanta Falcons in contact with former Pro Bowl edge rusher

The Atlanta Falcons’ 2024 draft class appears to be in it for the long haul. From Michael Penix Jr. to four selected defensive linemen, the Falcons added depth and potential rather than immediate starters in 2024.

Washington Huskies defenseman Bralen Trice may have the best chance of landing a starting role with only Arnold Ebiketie and Lorenzo Carter ahead of him. But a proven outside defender is still missing as the Falcons wait for Ebiketie to take the next step in 2024.

Free agent Yannick Ngakoue fits that profile perfectly. Heading into the 2023 season, Ngakoue was one of five players to record at least eight sacks in his first seven seasons.

The other four players appear to be candidates for a Mt. Rushmore of rushing artists: Reggie White, Aaron Donald, Derrick Thomas and DeMarcus Ware.

White and Thomas are inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Ware retired after the 2016 season with nine Pro Bowls and four first-team All-Pro selections under his belt. Donald is considered the best defensive player of his generation.

Ngakoue has failed to find steady work over the past three seasons, as he only has one asset as a run defender. However, that savvy to get to the quarterback is something the Falcons still need. Bleacher Report (B/R) recently connected Ngakoue to the Falcons as a cheap free agent who could be worth a cheap, non-guaranteed contract.

“Ngakoue’s injury (ankle fracture in Week 13) is probably the biggest reason he should be available on a budget now,” Kristopher Knox wrote on B/R. “A workout video Ngakoue posted on social media in May suggests he’s healthy now, but the 29-year-old is still coming off a tough season.”
In 13 games with Chicago last season, Ngakoue recorded a career-low four sacks and 11 quarterback pressures.

“The Falcons have long been looking for help to help them and lost their top 2023 sack producers, Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree, in free agency.”

Free agent James Smith-Williams is currently Ebiketie’s backup. He had 22 tackles and a sack for Washington last season. He has seven sacks in his four-year career. Trice is Carter’s backup, and frankly, Carter is better served as a third-rounder, not a starter. Former third-round pick DeAngelo Malone will be lucky to see the field in 2024 after playing two defensive snaps in 2023.

Ngakoue signed a one-year, $10 million guaranteed deal with the Bears last season. He won’t get it in 2024. He would have a chance to play a key role with the Falcons if they decide to take a chance on him, again at a much lower price.

Bud Dupree signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the Falcons last year before doubling his money as a free agent after a productive season with the Falcons. Would the Falcons and Ngakoue be willing to do something similar?

It’s certainly a low-risk, high-reward proposition for the Falcons, with almost nothing to lose if Ngakoue takes the fourth spot in training camp.