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The Falcons are going to need linebacker help, as my story tomorrow morning will touch on in more detail. It's little surprise that they're being linked to free agent options, then.
Brooks Reed would be an interesting option. Not a terrific pass rusher, but a damn fine run stopper. Could move to MLB.
— The Falcoholic (@TheFalcoholic) March 8, 2015
Per our friends at Battle Red Blog, Reed isn't actually much of a pass rusher, though he's good for a handful of sacks every year. Instead, BRB tells me he's extremely capable at setting the edge and is both disciplined and useful against the run, and that the Texans have considered moving him to inside linebacker more than once. For his career, the 28-year-old has 169 tackles, 14.5 sacks and 10 pass deflections over his four seasons, all with Houston.
It's anyone's guess where the Falcons would consider playing Reed, but he's an obvious upgrade over what they currently have, and his production to this point means he'd be an affordably-priced starter no matter where Atlanta plunks him down. This one may very well have legs, but we'll have to wait until free agency opens to find out.