Derrick Shelby

Falcons jolt pass rush, add defensive end Derrick Shelby

The Atlanta Falcons signed defensive end Derrick Shelby, formerly of the Miami Dolphins, to a four-year, $18 million contract.

What It Means:

Shelby was one of the more underrated free agents on the market. After the Dolphins lost Cameron Wake to a torn Achilles' last season, Shelby stepped in as the starter opposite Olivier Vernon and graded out as Pro Football Focus' 10th-ranked 4-3 end, excelling against the run. He's shown flashes of pass-rush juice over the past three seasons, and the Falcons are banking on him turning it up a notch as a full-time starter opposite Vic Beasley.

Atlanta ended 2015 ranked 21st in Adjusted Defensive Net Expected Points per play. Shelby amassed 38 tackles, 3.5 sacks, four passes defended, two forced fumbles and one pick, which he ran back for a touchdown.