Who signs linebacker Kroy Biermann in 2016 NFL free agency?
The Atlanta Falcons drafted Kroy Biermann in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Since then, Biermann has been a solid starter. He has spent his entire career with the Falcons, now entering free agency for the first time in his career.
Vitals
Age: 30 (turns 31 in September)
Notable stat: 333 career tackles
All-Pro teams: 0
Pro Bowls: 0
Contract comparison
There’s no reason to believe that Biermann is going to sign a huge contract. While he might rack up tackles, in today’s NFL, teams want to see sacks from defensive ends and linebackers before giving them a huge contract. He isn’t impressive as a pass rusher (23.5 sacks in 114 games over seven seasons) but he is still quite efficient at stopping the run. His closest comparable contract could be Chris Canty. In 2013, Canty signed a three-year deal worth $8 million with the Baltimore Ravens.
While Biermann is a better pass-rusher than Canty was when he signed the deal, Biermann will be the same age as Canty was when he signed that deal. Expect Biermann to get slightly more money than Canty. It’s hard to imagine anyone giving him something longer than a three-year deal, though.
Estimate: 3 years/$9 million/$4 million guaranteed
Will he stay?
Atlanta has been home for Biermann for his entire career. It’s hard to imagine that the Falcons wouldn’t be interested in retaining his services. He’s a great run stopper and those aren’t too easy to find. While he isn’t a great pass rusher, he is solid. There will be mutual interest in both parties for a return.
If he leaves…
He will likely have options if he wants to test the market. The Ravens will likely want to sign two players to replace Canty and Courtney Upshaw as well. Biermann could be a guy that they look at should he come at the right price. Another team that could use his services are the Washington Redskins.
They could use more defensive line and linebacker depth and they have pass rushers to be able to use Biermann as a rush defense specialist. Because of Kroy Biermann’s versatility, he could have a variety of suitors.