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The Atlanta Falcons missed out on the playoffs in 2024, and it could be in large part due to the team needing a big boost at the pass rush position. Considering the injuries to the linebacker position, the Falcons will need to address this matter, especially with Matthew Judon and Lorenzo Carter set to hit free agency.
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Atlanta had the second least sacks in the entire NFL, coming in with 31 total. Even if the team can retain Judon or Carter, they will need to find more reliable options during free agency.
One such option could come in the form of current Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Joshua Uche. Uche had been acquired by the Chiefs from the New England Patriots but found himself further down the depth chart.
Uche is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2025 and could be a viable option for the cash-strapped Falcons. Atlanta is currently $7 million over the cap, but the team can make some cost-cutting moves to allow an acquisition like Uche.
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The Falcons could bump up Uche's $3 million pay in 2024 to a two-year, $12 million deal, locking up the veteran for a small $6 million per season.
Uche may not have produced the same numbers he did in 2022 with 11.5 sacks, but he is still a proven veteran who would be on the cheaper side for the Falcons. Again, if Atlanta chose to also retain Judon, he could pair nicely with Uche to form a dynamic pass-rush duo.
The Falcons allowed 224.5 passing yards per game in 2024, along with allowing 120.6 rushing yards per game. Getting a boost at the linebacker position with someone like Uche would work two-fold, providing a solid pass rush and run stopper.
Uche is also only 26 years old. Though he has spent six seasons in the NFL, he is still relatively young in terms of his overall playing career.
The current Chiefs linebacker could experience a resurgence with the right opportunity, and being sent to Kansas City was not that opportunity.
Even in limited time with 13 games in 2024, Uche still managed to garner two sacks. Should the Falcons sign Uche, they could also bring in some linebacker options via the draft, and have a solid veteran to teach and lead the young group.
The Falcons come in at No. 23 in overall defense via Fox Sports, and some big moves need to be made to ensure this unit flourishes in 2024. One such move would be to sign Uche to a small two-year deal.
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For more on the Falcons, head to Newsweek Sports.
About the writer
James Brizuela is a contributing sports writer located in Los Angeles. His focus is on Comics, Comic Book Movies, Video ... Read more