Falcons free agency: Bargain bin hunting for the Falcons' needs

The Falcons have to fill their roster spots somehow, as you're no doubt aware. Given the relatively limited cap space left (under $9 million, by most estimates), and the need to sign the draft class and wait until after June 1 to realize the large relief from Paul Soliai's release, the Falcons are at the point where they're going to be picking up maybe one outright starter and a bunch of bargains the rest of the way

Let's take a look at a few positions of need and see who might make sense for the Falcons and cost very little.

G Chris Chester

Chester committed too many penalties, but the Falcons can probably get him back for something around the veteran minimum and have him compete for the right guard job again this year. He's familiar with the offense and not a bad blocker, at the very least.

DE/LB O'Brien Schofield/DE Kroy Biermann

Nope, I'm not joking about either one. Schofield offers a little pass rushing ability and positional versatility, while Kroy Biermann remains a quality defender against the run and a very useful special teamer. Neither is likely to be overly expensive, though the fact that Schofield remains unsigned gives me a little pause.

LB Danny Lansanah

The 30-year-old linebacker is competent enough to be a stopgap starter for a weak Falcons' corps of linebackers, though he'd ideally be a backup. He has 22 starts over the last two seasons under his belt for Tampa Bay, and is a sentient, breathing linebacker.

Basically any veteran safety left

This is an exaggeration, but the Falcons have their pick of Roman Harper, Walter Thurmond, Rashad Johnson, Tony Jefferson (an RFA for Arizona), and Reggie Nelson, and none are likely to be all that expensive with the market cooling off a bit. If Atlanta's shopping for a one or two year fix at safety, they can afford one.

Who do you want the Falcons to look into?