The Falcons have now re-signed three exclusive rights free agents. The first two were long snapper Liam McCullough and interior lineman Ryan Neuzil, but the third had a much bigger role.
On Wednesday, the Falcons announced they were re-signing the surprise of the 2023 campaign — undrafted free agent Nate Landman.
The Colorado product joined the Falcons in 2022 after nobody picked him up in the draft, but he made minimal impact as a rookie, logging only one tackle and appearing in seven games, primarily as a special teams contributor.
However, in 2023, injury bred opportunity, and Nate Landman made the absolute most out of it. He was thrust into a starting role next to Kaden Elliss when Troy Andersen suffered a season-ending injury during the Falcons’ Week 3 defeat to the Lions.
Landman ended up starting 14 games, totaling 110 tackles, three pass breakups, three forced fumbles and two sacks in a breakout campaign for the young man. The Falcons were always expected to bring him back.
Now, with Jimmy Lake coordinating the defense, the linebacking corps has three able bodies in Elliss, Landman, and Andersen. Obviously, after spending a second-round pick on the Montana product, Atlanta would like Andersen to realize his full potential.
Depending on what system the Falcons run in 2024, it could be a position battle between Andersen and Landman for the starting role next to Elliss. Despite Landman’s impressive sophomore season, he was a liability in coverage, so if Andersen can prove to be more reliable in that facet of the game, he could get the nod.
On the other hand, if the Falcons use a lot of three off-ball linebacker sets, all three will see significant playing time. At worst, the Falcons have a starting-caliber backup on the roster.
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