Falcons re-sign Erik Harris to one-year deal

Before the signing, the only safeties the Falcons had under contract were Richie Grant and Jaylinn Hawkins. Harris, who started 12 games in 2021, is a great veteran leader for a team in desperate need of leadership after the Falcons just shipped Matt Ryan off to Indy.

Harris will be 32-years-old by the start of the 2022 season and is a solid piece for the defense. Many Falcons fans have a sour taste in their mouths after Harris’s 2021 season, but I’m here to tell you that he wasn’t that bad. In fact, the former Raider is a valuable asset for such a young safety group.

Harris tallied 64 tackles and eight passes defended before a torn pectoral muscle ended his season prematurely. Hopefully, the Falcons will use Harris as a third safety because if he’s starting, that means Grant or Hawkins isn’t, which would be a bad look. The Falcons are in desperate need of some young players stepping up; this will be a big year for both Grant and Hawkins.