Report: Brooks Reed Leaning Toward Signing With Atlanta Falcons

Just as I was about to close my browser and go do actual work (the Texans are the featured team on NFL Network’s "Path to the Draft" today after all), word has come down that free agent linebacker Brooks Reed is leaning towards signing with the Falcons tomorrow.

Source: LB Brooks Reed is leaning toward signing with the #Falcons when free agency opens on Tuesday.

— Rand Getlin (@Rand_Getlin) March 9, 2015

Mark Berman reported last week that Reed was unlikely to stay in Houston next season after the expiration of his rookie contract, and today’s news would seem to confirm that. Reed was a quality role player who could stop the run and help J.J. Watt get to the all-important third and long situations, but he was never much of a pass rusher himself and had two first round outside linebackers drafted to presumably replace him in the last three years. He had no motivation to stay on a roster where he could potentially be relegated to a backup role, and I personally do not blame him for that.

Treat him well, Atlanta. You’re getting a good dude and a hell of a run stopper.