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Adrian Clayborn rumors: 5 best fits in NFL free agency

By John Buhler

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 07: Adrian Clayborn No. 99 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after sacking Drew Brees No. 9 of the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 7, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 07: Adrian Clayborn No. 99 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after sacking Drew Brees No. 9 of the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 7, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 29: Running back Matt Forte No. 22 of the New York Jets gets tackled by defensive end Adrian Clayborn #99 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of the game at MetLife Stadium on October 29, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 29: Running back Matt Forte No. 22 of the New York Jets gets tackled by defensive end Adrian Clayborn #99 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of the game at MetLife Stadium on October 29, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images) /

2. player. 44. . NFC. South. Atlanta Falcons

You know what? A third contract in four years could be in order for Adrian Clayborn with the Atlanta Falcons. Outside of the end of the 2016 NFL season, Clayborn has had a clean bill of health while with the Falcons as an integral piece in the Dan Quinn defensive front-seven in Atlanta.

Clayborn is coming off the second year of a two-year, $8.5 million deal with the Falcons. He had previously played for the Dirty Birds in 2015 on a one-year, $3 million deal. While the Falcons would love to have him back for a fourth year, there are two problems with Atlanta this offseason. They have several other key players hitting free agency and only so much cap space available.

It’s not just Clayborn who will be hitting the open market. Atlanta has several other important free agents the Falcons will want to retain including defensive tackle Dontari Poe, kicker Matt Bryant and wide receiver Taylor Gabriel. Too bad the Falcons will only have $12,792,712 of available space to work with this offseason. The Falcons will obviously have to cut some guys.

Though Clayborn is coming off his best year of his career, there is a chance he could return in 2018 on a new deal. Keep in mind that he has played on deals for less than $5 million annually in his three years in Atlanta. However if he wants to really get paid, Atlanta is not going to be able to afford him. That being said, the Falcons are a great schematic fit for him and provide him with a great opportunity to contend for a Super Bowl in 2018.

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