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.
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.
- D'Onta Foreman signing with Cleveland March 20th, 2024
- Jets sign Mike Williams to 1-year deal March 19th, 2024
- Browns sign wide receiver Jerry Jeudy to 3-year extension March 19th, 2024
- Alexander Mattison signs contract with Raiders March 18th, 2024
- Patriots ink K.J. Osborn to 1-year deal March 18th, 2024
- Steelers' Russell Wilson expected to be Week 1 starter; Justin Fields to operate as backup March 18th, 2024
- Steelers sign Cordarrelle Patterson to 2-year deal March 26th, 2024
- Steelers sign Van Jefferson to 1-year deal March 15th, 2024
- Darnell Mooney, Falcons agree to contract March 12th, 2024
- Falcons ink Kirk Cousins to new 4-year contract March 11th, 2024
- Schefter: Falcons will release tight end Jonnu Smith February 27th, 2024
- Taylor Heinicke (ankle) ruled out for Falcons in Week 18; Desmond Ridder to start January 7th, 2024