After a slow start to free agency, the Atlanta Falcons have made a splash by securing two key defensive players within a short span. Cornerback Mike Hughes has re-signed on a three-year deal, while veteran pass rusher Leonard Floyd is making his return to Georgia. According to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, these moves are aimed at reinforcing Atlanta’s struggling defense.
Floyd, who will turn 33 next season, has maintained a consistent level of production, recording at least 8.5 sacks in each of the last five seasons. A significant portion of that success came during his three-year stint with the Los Angeles Rams under defensive coordinator Raheem Morris. Now, he reunites with Morris in Atlanta, bringing veteran experience and a proven ability to get after the quarterback.
Despite his credentials, Floyd alone won’t be the cure-all for Atlanta’s long-standing pass-rushing woes. While he immediately becomes the team’s most reliable edge rusher, he’s more of a complementary piece at this stage in his career. If the Falcons don’t invest in more talent along the defensive front, Floyd could struggle in the same way many past Atlanta pass rushers have.
The expectation is that the team isn’t done making moves. The Falcons still have room to bring in additional reinforcements, and all eyes remain on Trey Hendrickson, a top-tier pass rusher who is still available. Pairing Hendrickson with Floyd would give Atlanta’s defensive line a much-needed boost and could transform the team’s pass rush heading into next season.
With free agency heating up, the Falcons’ defense could look drastically different in the coming weeks. If they continue making strategic additions, Atlanta might finally have the firepower needed to break its decade-long defensive struggles.
