Atlanta Falcons Add High-Upside Free Agent Edge Rusher

Veteran pass rusher Samson Ebukam joins the Falcons' defensive line.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 8:36pm

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The Atlanta Falcons have signed free agent edge rusher Samson Ebukam to a multi-year contract. Ebukam, a former fourth-round pick, has started 61 games over his 8-year NFL career with the Rams, 49ers, and Colts. He is coming off an Achilles injury that caused him to miss the 2024 season but is expected to provide depth and rotational pass-rushing ability for the Falcons' defense.

Why it matters

The Falcons' pass rush had a record-breaking season in 2025, but they lost several key contributors in the offseason. Ebukam's addition provides experienced depth and upside potential to the defensive line as the team looks to build on its strong defensive performance from last year.

The details

Ebukam, who will turn 31 before next season, had a breakout year with the Colts in 2023, recording 9.5 sacks. However, he missed the entire 2024 season after rupturing his Achilles tendon during training camp. He returned in 2025 but played in just 14 games (one start) and had 2.0 sacks. The Falcons are hoping Ebukam can regain his 2023 form and provide a boost to their pass rush rotation.

  • Ebukam ruptured his Achilles tendon during the 2024 training camp, causing him to miss the entire 2024 season.
  • Ebukam returned in 2025 but played in just 14 games (one start) and had 2.0 sacks.

The players

Samson Ebukam

A veteran edge rusher who has started 61 games over his 8-year NFL career with the Rams, 49ers, and Colts.

Jalon Walker

The Falcons' starting edge rusher who is set to return for the 2026 season.

Bralen Trice

A Falcons edge rusher entering his third season without appearing in an NFL game.

Azeez Ojulari

An edge rusher the Falcons have added this offseason, who broke the Giants' rookie sack record a few years ago.

Cameron Thomas

Another edge rusher the Falcons have added this offseason to bolster their pass rush.

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What’s next

The Falcons will be hoping Ebukam can stay healthy and return to his 2023 form to provide a boost to their pass rush rotation.

The takeaway

The Falcons have made a savvy signing in Ebukam, adding an experienced and high-upside edge rusher to their defensive line as they look to build on their strong 2025 defensive performance.