The free agents — both first-round draft picks — signed one-year deals to bolster Atlanta.
FLOWERY BRANCH — The Financially Tight Atlanta Falcons signed former first-round draft picks and free agents Rashaan Evans Y Germain Ifedilinebacker and offensive lineman, respectively, to one-year deals on Wednesday.
Evans prop up the Falcons on defense, following spending the past four seasons with the Tennessee Titans. He was the 22nd overall recruit of the Draft 2018from Alabama.
Ifedi provides to Atlanta added depth on an offensive line that struggled a lot during the 2021 season. He was the 31st overall pick in the Draft 2016 for the Seattle Seahawksand spent the past two seasons with the Chicago Bears.
The Falcons had a huge hole to fill at linebacker following Foyesade Oluokun emigrate via free agency, especially with salary cap issues raising questions regarding the future of Deion Jones in the template of Atlanta.
Evans6-foot-2, 232 pounds, started 50 of 59 games for the Titans. Last season, he played in 12 games with 11 starts, and 57 total tackles, three tackles for loss of yardage, two interceptions, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
Ifedi has appeared in 85 games with 83 starts, playing tackle and guard, through six seasons of NFL. The 6-foot-5, 325-pound lineman started seven games at tackle as part of his nine appearances for the Bears in the past season.
The Falcons they return their five starting offensive linemen from a unit that suffered to protect the now former quarterback Matt Ryan. Ifedi he’ll likely have a chance to compete for a starting job, though he might also serve in a backup role down the line.
