NFL Free Agency 2014: Falcons ink Jonathan Babineaux to 3-year deal

The Atlanta Falcons addressed one of their NFL free agency needs in retaining some depth on defense today, by re-signing defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux to a three-year deal.

Last season, Babineaux played in all 16 games for Atlanta, totaling 42 tackles and a sack. The 2005 second-round pick out of Iowa has spent his entire career with the Falcons .

Keeping Babineaux, who goes largely unnoticed outside of Atlanta, was one of the Falcons’ big concerns, as keeping a deep rotation on what had been an ineffective defensive line was a priority.

Babineaux’s deal is reportedly worth $9 million, with $4 million guaranteed in 2014. A more than fair price for an impact player who is as underrated as he has been.

This gives Atlanta a good rotation in the middle of their defensive line, as they have already re-signed DT Corey Peters to a one-year deal last week. The focus on the defensive line will now become looking for speedy pass-rushers and more effective play on the ends.