The Falcons have agreed to terms with LB Justin Durant, who was selected by the Jaguars in the second round of the 2007 draft and has played in Jacksonville, Detroit and Dallas.
The Atlanta Falcons opened the doors of the 2015 NFL free agency period by adding talent on both sides of the ball, including former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Justin Durant.
Entering his ninth NFL season, Durant brings a lot of value to Dan Quinn's team, including veteran leadership and a versatility that will allow Falcons defensive coordinator Richard Smith to use the multipurpose linebacker in a variety of ways.
Among the many NFL experts weighing in on Tuesday's free agent signings around the league, Sports Illustrated's Peter King believes Quinn found a possible gem in Durant to add to his defensive scheme.
"I think the most underrated signing Tuesday was Atlanta's deal with linebacker Justin Durant, a rangy, attacking, highly instinctive sideline-to-sideline player … when healthy," King posted on mmqb.si.com. "In October last year, I remember Dallas defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli singing Durant's praises; he said he thought that if Durant continued on the path he was headed he'd be a defensive player of the year candidate."
A torn right biceps injury prevented Durant's impressive 2014 campaign from additional exploits, missing the final 10 games of the season. It's clear, however, that the Falcons followed through with due diligence and were convinced Durant and his health is the best fit for the 2015 roster, possessing player-of-the-year talents.
"It's a big 'if' whether he stays healthy, of course," King said. "But if so, new coach Dan Quinn's got himself a terrific defensive leader and player."
