2014 NFL Free Agency: Atlanta Falcons sign Tyson Jackson to 5-year deal worth $25 million
The Atlanta Falcons are determined to upgrade the offensive and defensive lines on the first day of free agency and after agreeing to a deal with offensive guard Jon Asamoah and massive defensive tackle Paul Soliai, the team added defensive end Tyson Jackson.
Tyson Jackson has agreed to a deal with the Atlanta #Falcons, per source. They continue to get tougher.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2014
Tyson Jackson’s deal with the #Falcons is for $25M over five years. Wow.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2014
Jackson, 27, was the third overall pick by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2009 NFL Draft out of LSU and will be counted on bringing a physicality and toughness to the Falcons defensive line that was a weak spot as the Falcons went from a playoff team to a team picking in the top six in the 2014 NFL draft.
At 6-4, 295-pounds, Jackson never really lived up to his lofty draft status, but in Atlanta won’t be counted on being “the guy” on the Falcons defensive line and rather will need to be one of the guys. Jackson has just nine career sacks, so he won’t be counted on rushing the passer, but his presence in the run game will be vital as the Falcons look to bet back to the NFC playoffs.