Grady Jarrett has, over the last two seasons, decisively emerged as the Falcons’ best defender. That’s been a stellar thing for Jarrett and the Falcons, but his world-wrecking potential has been limited by the limitations of the defense around him.
As we look ahead to 2020, it’s impossible to ignore the state of the defensive line. Atlanta chose to supplement their young talent with solid veterans this offseason, with Tyeler Davison playing very well and Allen Bailey and Adrian Clayborn providing some value. Next offseason, only Jarrett, Takk McKinley, Deadrin Senat, Bailey, and John Cominsky are actually under contract, with Mike Bennett and Steven Means coming off injured reserve and both Justin Zimmer and Jacob Tuioti-Mariner on the practice squad.