*Editor's note: The Falcons 2018 Free Agent Tracker will be updated regularly to include the team's latest moves in free agency. *
NFL free agency is officially underway, and the Falcons 2018 Free Agent Tracker is here to help keep you updated on all of the team's moves in the coming weeks. The tracker will also include players who were set to become free agents but were re-signed by the Falcons prior to the start of the new league year.
Below, you'll find a list of the moves the Falcons have made this free agency period – the most recent moves will be up top – as well as links to the stories we've written for each one.
(AP photo by Al Tielemans)
Kemal Ishmael
Position:Safety
Contract:1 year
2017 team:Falcons
Why he fits with the Falcons:The Falcons agreed to terms with safety Kemal Ishmael on a one-year deal. Ishmael was drafted by the Falcons in the seventh round of the 2013 NFL Draft, and he has become a versatile piece for the team's defense. Last season, Ishmael appeared in all 16 games for the Falcons, registering 22 tackles, one sack, one fumble recovery and one pass defense.
(AP photo by Kevin Terrell)
JUSTIN BETHEL
Position:Cornerback
Contract:1 year
2017 team:Arizona Cardinals
Why he fits with the Falcons:Justin Bethel agreed to terms with the Falcons over the weekend. He became a Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro with the Arizona Cardinals. Bethel could be a quality depth piece for the Falcons' secondary, but his biggest impact may come on special teams, where he is considered one of the top players in the NFL. Bethel was a 2012 sixth-round draft pick out of Presbyterian College. Over the past three seasons, Bethel intercepted four passes, returning three of them for touchdowns.
(AP photo by Kevin Terrell)
DERRICK SHELBY
Position:Defensive end
Contract:1 year
2017 team:Falcons
Why he fits with the Falcons:The reunion of Shelby with the Falcons on a one-year deal gives the team another reliable piece on the defensive line, an area where they are thin at this point in the offseason. In 2017, Shelby saw action in 16 games and tallied 30 total tackles, one sack, and three tackles for loss. Shelby appeared in six games for the Falcons in 2016, his first season with the team, and recorded eight tackles before suffering a torn Achilles that sidelined him for the rest of the year.
(AP photo by Rick Scuteri)
LOGAN PAULSEN
Position:Tight end
Contract:1 year
2017 team:San Francisco 49ers
Why he fits with the Falcons:After announcing their intention to part ways with tight end Levine Toilolo, the Falcons could use depth and experience alongside tight ends Austin Hooper and Eric Saubert, as well as someone who can handle the primary blocking duties for the position. The Falcons found that by signing Paulsen to a one-year deal. Paulsen, 31, played in 14 games for the 49ers in 2017, splitting his time between offense and special teams where he logged 144 snaps and 154 snaps, respectively. The 49ers deployed Paulsen as a blocker more often than a receiver, as he was targeted just twice with zero receptions.
BEN GARLAND
Position:Offensive line
Status:Restricted free agent
2017 team:Falcons
Why he fits with the Falcons:Like Allen, Garland received a second-round tender from the team. He has signed his tender offer, meaning Garland will be under contract with the Falcons for the 2018 season. One of the two contenders for the starting right guard spot in the preseason, Garland, 29, started in the postseason at left guard with Andy Levitre out. An extremely versatile player, Garland provides ideal depth for the team and can play multiple positions.
(AP photo by Peter Read Miller)
BRANDON FUSCO
Position:Offensive line
Contract:3 years
2017 team:San Francisco 49ers
Why he fits with the Falcons:The Falcons bolstered their guard spot by signing Fusco to a 3-year deal. The seven-year veteran has played in 83 games during his career with 80 starts. Coming from San Francisco, where he played under former Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, should make him a good fit for the scheme run here in Atlanta.
LEON McFADDEN
Position:Cornerback
Contract:1 year
2017 team:Falcons
Why he fits with the Falcons:McFadden signed a one-year deal with the Falcons in Week 4 last season, but he did not appear in any games with the team. With a new one-year deal in place, McFadden, 27, will continue to provide depth in the secondary. McFadden was drafted in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Browns, and he has appeared in 34 games with two starts since arriving in the league.
(AP photo by Paul Abell)
AUSTIN PASZTOR
Position:Offensive line
Contract:1 year
2017 team:Falcons
Why he fits with the Falcons:After signing a one-year deal with the Falcons in the preseason, Pasztor saw action in seven games and provided depth at the offensive tackle position. Pasztor, 27, once again signed a one-year deal to remain with the team in 2018, providing the Falcons with a competent backup tackle who has starting experience. Prior to arriving in Atlanta, Pasztor started 23 games for the Jaguars in his three years with the team and 20 games in two seasons with the Browns.
BLIDI WREH-WILSON
Position:Cornerback
Contract:1 year
2017 team:Falcons
Why he fits with the Falcons: Wreh-Wilson has spent the past two seasons in Atlanta, and he has signed a one-year deal to remain with the team. Last year, Wreh-Wilson, 28, saw action in eight games and started for the Falcons in Week 13 against the Vikings, registering two tackles and one pass defense. Drafted in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Titans, Wreh-Wilson has started 15 games in his career and recorded 91 tackles, 15 pass defenses and one interception.
MATT BRYANT
Position:Kicker
Contract:3 years
2017 team:Falcons
Why he fits with the Falcons:The Falcons' all-time leading scorer will be back with the team for the foreseeable future after Bryant signed a new three-year deal to remain in Atlanta. Last season, Bryant, 42, made 87.2 percent of his field goal attempts, including a career-high eight kicks from 50-plus yards. During the Falcons' run to the playoffs, Bryant was flawless, going 5-of-5 in the team's playoff-clinching win against the Panthers and 4-of-4 in their wild-card victory against the Rams.
Free agents who have been tendered by the Falcons
The Falcons placed second-round tenders on restricted free agents Ricardo Allen and Ben Garland. While Garland has signed his offer sheet to remain with the team, Allen has not. Still, the high-round tender illustrates a desire for the Falcons to keep Allen in the fold. Because he's yet to be officially signed by the Falcons, we've created a seperate section for Allen.
RICARDO ALLEN
Position:Safety
Status:Restricted free agent
2017 team:Falcons
Why he fits with the Falcons:The fact that Allen was given a second-round tender illustrates his important to the Falcons' secondary. Allen, 26, has become the leader on the back-end for Atlanta's defense, improving each season he's been with the team. In three seasons with the team, Allen has played in 47 games with 46 starts, while registering 212 tackles, nine passes defensed, six interceptions, one forced fumble and one sack.
