It’s the day of no tenderness, or no less than tenders. The Atlanta Falcons will reportedly not tender a second restricted free agent, after FOX Sports activities insider Greg Auman advised us earlier as we speak that they might not accomplish that with cornerback Dee Alford. This time, it’s linebacker Nate Landman.
Like Alford, Landman had a pleasant 2023 after which a reasonably dismal 2024, a lot of it spent filling in for an injured Troy Andersen. A traditional early down linebacker who has usually been an asset towards the run—Professional Soccer Focus credit him with 16 run stops final 12 months, the fourth-highest complete on the crew—Landman’s lack of impression as a go rusher and struggles in protection had been rather more pronounced this previous season than they had been in 2023. As I stated with Alford, I believe you’ll be able to put a few of that on a Jimmy Lake protection the place many gamers regressed, however not all of it.
The Falcons are additionally not tendering restricted free agent linebacker Nate Landman, who has 191 tackles in 23 begins during the last two years. Solely 26, nonetheless might return on a lesser deal, however now’s set to be an unrestricted free agent.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) March 6, 2025
The Falcons are primarily indicating they agree with that sentiment by probably letting Landman and Alford hit the open market. Landman might return on an reasonably priced deal nonetheless, however the Falcons have been linked to inside linebackers in free company and the draft and have Kaden Elliss, Troy Andersen, and JD Bertrand below contract already. Landman’s aforementioned struggles in protection—he allowed 25 of the 27 passes he was focused on for completions and gave up three touchdowns, per PFF—are unlikely to endear him to new defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, who had very helpful cowl linebackers in his time with the Jets.
Landman, additionally like Alford, received’t wrestle to land a gig elsewhere if the Falcons don’t elect to carry him again on a smaller deal. The work towards the run from Landman is persistently adequate and the particular groups work is strong sufficient to make him a helpful reserve for any variety of groups throughout the league, and naturally we’ll want him effectively if he lands elsewhere. For now, we’ll anticipate the opening of free company and see if the Falcons do let him stroll.
