The Falcons have re-signed three exclusive rights free agents. The first two were long snapper Liam McCullough and interior lineman Ryan Neuzil, but the third played a considerably larger part.
On Wednesday, the Falcons announced the re-signing of undrafted free agent Nate Landman, who was the surprise of the 2023 season.
The Colorado graduate joined the Falcons in 2022 after not being selected in the draft, but he made little impact as a rookie, recording only one tackle and appearing in seven games, largely as a special teams player.
However, in 2023, injury created an opening, and Nate Landman took full use of it. He was thrown into a starting role with Kaden Elliss after Troy Andersen sustained a season-ending injury in the Falcons’ Week 3 loss to the Lions.
Landman started 14 games and totaled 110 tackles, three pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and two sacks in his breakout season. The Falcons were always anticipated to re-sign him.
With Jimmy Lake coordinating the defence, the linebacking corps now boasts three capable players: Elliss, Landman, and Andersen. Obviously, after investing a second-round choice on the Montana product, Atlanta wants Andersen to reach his greatest potential.
Depending on the Falcons’ system in 2024, it could be a competition between Andersen and Landman for the starting spot next to Elliss. Despite Landman’s outstanding sophomore season, he was a problem in coverage, thus Andersen may earn the nod if he can demonstrate greater reliability in that aspect of the game.
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On the other side, if the Falcons employ a lot of three off-ball linebacker formations, all three will get plenty of playing time. At worst, the Falcons have a starting-caliber backup on their roster.
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