Atlanta Falcons free agency 2020: Top 5 targets

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 10: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates after a touchdown pass to Austin Hooper #81 against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes Benz Superdome on November 10, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

1. Bruce Irvin

Bruce Irvin is a player that you may not remember was in the league in 2019, and that’s not a good sign, but he could be a cheap option to replace a pair of outside linebackers the Falcons could lose in free agency. Vic Beasley and De’Vondre Campbell are likely leaving in free agency. That’s going to leave a massive hole at outside linebacker, with a lack of internal options to replace them.

With a limited budget, the Falcons only have so many options to bring in outside linebackers. Bruce Irvin quietly had a really good season in Carolina. The defense was a mess with a switch in coaching staff and an offense that couldn’t stay on the field. Still, Irvin was able to collect 8.5 sacks and 36 tackles. It’s hard to keep producing on a team that loses the last eight games of the season.

Irvin missed the first three games of the season, when the Panthers still had hope. He might have even better stats if he was on the team then.

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Irvin would be a great addition to the Falcons pass rush that’s in desperate need of fixing. They again were fourth-worst in sacks last season, and if they don’t make major cuts there is going to be no money to make any additions. They have to restructure this roster. Veterans on cheap contracts like Bruce Irvin could actually help them be competitive once again.

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