Former Falcons LB Rashaan Evans: Top Remaining Free Agent?
The Atlanta Falcons have completely revamped their defense this offseason.
But with additions that include safety Jessie Bates III, defensive end Calais Campbell, defensive tackle David Onyemata and cornerback Jeff Okudah, one key contributor from 2022 may no longer be leading Atlanta's defense.
Linebacker Rashaan Evans, 27, is still a free agent after playing one year for the Falcons. Evans led Atlanta with a career-high 159 tackles. He also had six tackles for loss with two sacks.
Evans was drafted in the first round in 2018 by the Tennessee Titans, where he spent the first four years of his career. Evans' play has him ranked eighth by Bleacher Report among remaining free agents under 30 years old.
"Whether it was Evans' desired salary or a team decision, the Falcons appear intent on heading into the season with youngster Troy Andersen and free-agent addition Kaden Elliss as the team's top two inside linebackers," Bleacher Report writes. "And despite all that productivity, Evans is still looking for a new home—most likely because of a passer rating against in coverage last year of 112.6."
The decision not to re-sign Evans signals the team's confidence in linebackers Troy Andersen and Kaden Elliss. Andersen had 69 tackles, three tackles for loss and three quarterback hits in his rookie year. Elliss, who is also 27 years old, is coming off the best year of his career and had career-highs in tackles (78), quarterback hits (10) and tackles for loss (7) for the New Orleans Saints. Elliss signed a three-year deal with the Falcons in March.
A coaching change plays a role in Evans' future as well. Ryan Nielsen will take the reins as Atlanta's defensive coordinator after previously being the Saints co-defensive coordinator defensive line coach. Atlanta's previous defensive coordinator, Dean Pees, retired after the 2022 season. Evans also played for Pees in three of his four seasons in Tennessee.
While Evans' future remains to be seen, returning to Atlanta shouldn't be out of the question as training camp nears.
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