The Falcons have a few options to help with the pass rush, but those options may be winnowed rapidly once free agency opens.

According to several reports, the Browns and Colts are expected to engage in a bidding war for Cliff Avril and Paul Kruger. Those are two of the top pass rushers available, of course, and two guys the Falcons might have been interested in for a reasonable contract. If these two AFC teams with huge cap space are bidding for them, that dream is dead.

Avril, 27, has done a great job for a middling Lions defense. He's arguably the best pass rusher on the open market, and he'll probably command a sizeable contract for several years. Kruger, 26, doesn't have the same pedigree but has had an effective couple of seasons in a row for the Ravens. Teams looking for pass rush help will be all over them. Hearing these reports just further confirms that.

This likely means the Falcons have their pick of Dwight Freeney, Osi Umenyiora and the dregs of the market. If Elvis Dumervil is released, expect them to take a hard look, too.

Who do you think the Falcons will look for in their search for pass rushers?