With Pat Angerer banged up, the Falcons may soon add free agent veteran Nick Barnett

You may not have realized it, but the Falcons have been keeping their eye on Nick Barnett for a while now. The one-time Packer is currently a free agent, looking for a job. Per ESPN's Vaughn McClure, the Falcons worked him out around the same time they worked out Pat Angerer.

In fact, the 33-year-old remains on the Falcons' radar and could be brought in, depending on how the linebacker situation plays out through training camp. The team apparently was most impressed with Barnett's workout but signed veterans Tim Dobbins and Pat Angerer instead.

What the Falcons are doing with Barnett isn't uncommon. Teams will work out players, maintain an interest, and if the cards fall right, offer a contract. With Barnett their approach makes a lot of sense. He's a veteran with injury issues. The Falcons have lots of young linebackers competing for a roster spot. If you think he still has something in the tank, why bring him in at the beginning of training camp, just so he can get injured again? Instead, see what you have, reevaluate, then make the move if it's absolutely necessary.

I'll be honest, the fact that Barnett is still hanging around is telling. It means his ability to contribute probably isn't what it used to be. Even so, the Falcons apparently saw something they liked. And knowing that, I wouldn't be surprised to see him in a Falcons uniform this season.

Your thoughts?