Former Falcons DT Jack Crawford signs with the Titans

On Tuesday evening, another piece of the recent Atlanta Falcons defensive front moved on as the Tennessee Titans signed defensive tackle Jack Crawford. He had spent the past three seasons in Atlanta.

The Falcons significantly reduced his play in 2019 following a career season in 2018, and when they hadn’t re-signed him before the opening of free agency, the writing was on the wall. The Falcons will move forward with Grady Jarrett, Tyeler Davison, Deadrin Senat, and others in the middle of the defense.

Crawford joined the Falcons in 2017 following stints on the Oakland Raiders and Dallas Cowboys. In his first season in Atlanta, Crawford was impressive but suffered a bicep injury which sent him to injured reserve. In 2018, Crawford saw his best NFL season to date as he totaled 35 tackles, 6 sacks, and an interception (all career-bests) in 16 games. Last year he largely fell behind Tyeler Davison and others on the depth chart and had a quieter year, though he obviously can still help a defense.

He won’t be going to Tennessee alone, as the Titans also signed former Falcons defensive end Vic Beasley this offseason as they continue to strive to improve their defense.

Atlanta has some work to do to shore up its defensive line, even after re-adding Davison and signing Dante Fowler. Steven Means figures to take on a larger role in 2020 and we might finally see Senat arrive, but don’t be surprised if the team is setting up to use multiple draft picks along the defensive front.

Best of luck to Jack on his new home in Tennessee.