Should Falcons Re-Sign Emerging LB Lorenzo Carter?

Previous to taking the job because the Atlanta Falcons basic supervisor, Terry Fontenot was one of many NFL’s finest skilled private evaluators … and contemplating the cap-stricken state of affairs he entered in Atlanta, he is needed to depend on his skill to seek out high quality, under-the-radar contributors all through his two-year tenure.

Maybe the perfect instance is working again Cordarrelle Patterson, who signed a one-year, $3 million contract within the spring of 2021 with the concept he’d largely be a return specialist with a minor function on offense and proceeded to grow to be the primary participant in franchise historical past with 500 speeding and receiving yards in the identical season. Patterson has since signed a two-year extension and stays certainly one of Atlanta’s finest playmakers.

After Patterson?

There are a number of choices, together with beginning linebacker and main tackler Rashaan Evans and swing deal with turned beginning left guard Elijah Wilkinson.

However how about exterior linebacker Lorenzo Carter?

A former star on the College of Georgia, Carter joined the Falcons on a one-year, $3.5 million deal this offseason, contemporary off a robust closing stretch with the New York Giants through which he had 5 sacks over his closing 4 video games.

That run alone was sufficient to offer Carter his most sacks in a single season, providing indicators of encouragement for his future whereas additionally signaling that it might’ve merely been a flash in a pan – and the Falcons, who completed final within the league in sacks by a substantial margin, have been greater than prepared to take the chance.

“We knew when Lorenzo got here in that he was a gifted younger soccer participant that was nonetheless growing,” inside linebackers coach Frank Bush mentioned.

Now 14 video games into his return to the state of Georgia, Carter’s emerged as a official presence on Atlanta’s protection. He is began and performed not less than 70 p.c of the defensive snaps in every sport and ranks second on the workforce in sacks (4) and third in tackles for loss (5) and quarterback hits (10).

Higher but, Carter’s starting to hit his stride. During the last 4 video games, the 27-year-old has 4 quarterback hits, one and a half sacks, one deal with for loss and a fumble restoration. He is grown comfy and, maybe most significantly, assured.

“I feel what we see now’s a child that is growing confidence,” Bush claimed. “He goes out, he makes performs, he is assured, he is an ideal teammate – in all probability one of many higher individuals you need to meet. All these issues are beginning to come to fruition and he is doing an excellent job for us.”

In essence, Carter offers worth each on and off the sector for the Falcons, who’ve the second-youngest workforce within the NFL. In an outdoor linebackers room that includes second-year professional Ade Ogundeji and rookies Arnold Ebiketie and DeAngelo Malone, Carter’s veteran voice carries further weight.

The 6-5, 255-pound Carter has the intangible traits Atlanta values and matches it with intriguing bodily instruments, making him a key piece to the Falcons protection, one which the teaching employees really appreciates.

“He is only a huge, tall man with lengthy arms that eats up lots of area and takes up lots of room and he makes performs,” Bush mentioned. “So, I am glad we now have him.”

However how lengthy will the Falcons have Carter?

His contract is about to run out following this season, and with a extra constant physique of labor beneath his belt, could possibly be in line for a pay rise. In the end, his numbers throughout the board have remained regular all through his profession, however there stays a component of upside.

Carter has scored two touchdowns this season, one on a blocked punt and one other on an interception, whereas setting sturdy edges in run protection and proving he can drop into protection and play in area in opposition to the cross. In a phrase, he is stable – however he is additionally versatile and impactful on the sector and within the locker room.

Ebiketie and Malone, each top-100 picks in final yr’s draft, are thought-about to be Atlanta’s future off the sting … however Carter simply turned 27 earlier this month. Because the Falcons attempt to construct a extra aggressive roster from high to backside, including gamers with a longtime ground and management background is important – and Carter checks each packing containers.

Re-signing Carter this offseason makes loads of sense. The Memphis, Tennessee native is completely happy he is again in Georgia, and so are the Falcons. Like with Patterson, different groups might include higher affords, however mutual curiosity may win out as soon as extra.

However for now, Carter’s targeted on ending this yr as robust as he did final, beginning Saturday at 1 p.m. inside M&T Financial institution Stadium in opposition to the Baltimore Ravens. 

With one other productive shut, Carter will solely additional create leverage and worth for himself on the negotiating desk this offseason, making this a primary alternative for him to play his approach into a much bigger deal … and probably extra time in Atlanta.

You may comply with Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft

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