'Natural Football Player': Falcons Re-Sign LB Nate Landman Before Free Agency
Amidst of a season of disappointment, the Atlanta Falcons received a pleasant surprise in the emergence of second-year linebacker Nate Landman.
Thrust into a starting role after a season-ending pectoral injury to Troy Andersen, Landman was the Falcons' third-leading tackler with 110 while making seven tackles for loss and forcing three fumbles.
Now, the 24-year-old is back in the fold - Atlanta announced in a press release Wednesday it's re-signed Landman, who was an exclusive rights free agent.
No details have been revealed regarding length or compensation.
Dec 31, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) is tackled by Atlanta Falcons linebacker Nate Landman (53) after a short gain in the first half at Soldier Field.
Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
Landman will have a new position coach in 2024, as Barrett Ruud replaces Frank Bush, who wasn't retained on new head coach Raheem Morris's staff.
Ruud is already familiar with Landman, dating back to a college game in 2018. Ruud, then the linebackers coach at the University of Nebraska, watched as Landman, a sophomore at the University of Colorado, dominated the Cornhuskers.
Landman collected 14 tackles, two tackles for loss, an interceptions and a forced fumble. He was named the FWAA's Defensive Player of the Week for his performance. Ruud said Landman effectively won the game for Colorado.
As such, Ruud arrived in Atlanta with a positive impression of Landman, one that was reaffirmed when he first put on his professional tape.
"He's a natural football player," Ruud said. "He's a good tackler - if you can tackle in college, you can tackle in the NFL. He's got really good instincts and gets to the ball. It was a really good start for him in his NFL career last year."
The return of Landman, who Ruud further said is a high-contact player, gives the Falcons a strong trio in the middle of their defense.
Andersen was a second-round pick in 2022 and was in line for a breakout second season before his injury. The 6-4, 235-pound Andersen, who ran a 4.42 40-yard dash, is lauded for his physical tools and upside.
The Falcons signed Elliss to a three-year, $21 million contract last spring, and he delivered with a productive campaign, posting 122 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, six quarterback hits and four sacks while starting all 17 games.
Toss in the steady, reliable Landman, and Ruud feels he has a group with unique skill sets that complement one another nicely.
"Troy's probably the highest-end athlete - can really run, [is] big, strong, fast, has all the measurables," Ruud said. "Kaden's probably the most versatile, where he can rush the passer, play on the line of scrimmage, covers well on third down.
"And Nate's kind of more of the old-school, box, throwback linebacker."
Atlanta's defense took a step forward under coordinator Ryan Nielsen last season, but he left for the same role with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Now, with a defensive-minded head coach in Morris and the hiring of Jimmy Lake to replace Nielsen, the Falcons are hoping to see further progress.
Many core defenders return. Atlanta has a chance to add others this offseason.
But retaining key pieces of that unit was a priority, and Landman's return only strengthens the heart of the Falcons' defense.
