The Falcons are getting deals with their 2022 draft class done and now six of their eight players have put pen to paper. The team announced the signings of Troy Andersen and DeAngelo Malone to their rookie contracts on Wednesday.
The former was selected in the second round with the No. 58 pick, and the latter was drafted in the third round with the No. 82 pick. According to OverTheCap, the estimated total value of Andersen’s rookie deal is $6.49 million, while Malone’s rookie contract is estimated at $5.4 million.
With a ton of uncertainty surrounding Deion Jones‘ future, the Falcons might need their second-rounder to take over as starting linebacker. Andersen would likey play next to Rashaan Evans if he can beat out Mykal Walker and Nick Kwiatkoski. The Montana State product is reliable in coverage but struggled to defend the run. I could see Walker or Kwiatkoski playing on early downs next to Evans while Andersen plays in sub-packages on obvious passing downs.
Malone joins a group with minimal experience. Outside of Lorenzo Carter, the edge unit in Atlanta is extremely green. Ade Ogundeji was reliable defending the run but clearly isn’t the pass rusher to turn things around for the Falcons. Arnold Ebiketie and Malone will compete for those obvious passing down reps when Ogundeji likely comes off the field.
This is a dream come true for these guys, so congratulations is in order!
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Photographer: Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire
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