Updated March 4, 2026, 5:58 p.m. ET
The Atlanta Falcons thought they had solidified the edge position by taking Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. in last year’s draft, but Pearce’s recent legal troubles have left his future in doubt. The team may need to find a replacement for the 2026 season in NFL free agency.
Arnold Ebiketie and Leonard Floyd are both set to become free agents next week, but there are plenty of capable veterans available. While the Falcons don’t have much salary cap space, they will likely make a few cap-clearing moves before the new league year begins on March 11.
With that in mind, let’s look at seven potential edge targets for the Falcons in NFL free agency.
1). EDGE Jadeveon ClowneyAge: 332025 stats: 8.5 sacks, 24 solo tackles, 10 QB hitsExpert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.
Clowney’s career got off to a slow start, but he’s aged like a fine wine. The 33-year-old racked up 8.5 sacks and 40 total pressures for the Dallas Cowboys last season. At this stage of his career, Clowney will likely continue to seek one-year deals as some sort of pass-rushing mercenary. The former No. 1 overall pick is an ideal fit for the Falcons as a short-term edge replacement for James Pearce Jr. Pro Football Focus is projecting Clowney to sign a one-year, $10 million contract.
2). EDGE Bradley ChubbAge: 292025 stats: 47 tackles (24 solo), 8.5 sacks, 20 QB hits
Chubb is a two-time Pro Bowl edge rusher who has recorded 48 sacks and 15 forced fumbles since being drafted fifth overall by the Denver Broncos in 2018. As a rookie, he recorded 12 sacks, a milestone that he has yet to top in the seven years since. Despite being released by the Miami Dolphins last month, Chubb is still a productive player. The 29-year-old recorded 8.5 sacks and 20 QB hits last season.
3). EDGE Kwity PayeAge: 272025 stats: 39 tackles (15 solo), 4 sacks, 9 QB hits
After topping eight sacks in back-to-back seasons, Paye came back down to earth in 2025. The former first-round pick has appeared in 75 games for the Indianapolis Colts since entering the league in 2021, recording 30.5 sacks, 50 QB hits and 37 tackles for loss. PFF is projecting the former Michigan Wolverines standout to command around $10 million a year in free agency.
4). EDGE Derek BarnettAge: 292025 stats: 21 tackles (13 solo), 5 sacks, 10 QB hits
Barnett is one of the more affordable options on this list. The former first-round pick has spent seven of his nine NFL seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. At 29, Barnett is still a productive rotational player and could be an ideal fit as a one-year stopgap in Atlanta. The Falcons could certainly afford the one-year, $3.5 million contract that PFF is projecting for Barnett in free agency.
5). EDGE Samson EbukamAge: 302025 stats: 33 tackles (22 solo), 2 sacks, 8 QB hits
Ebukam has put together a nice career despite bouncing around. The former fourth-round pick recorded a career-high 9.5 sacks for the Indianapolis Colts in 2023 but tore his Achilles and missed the entire 2024 season. Ebukam returned in 2025 but wasn’t as productive. The 30-year-old could be a target for the Falcons on a one-year deal in free agency.
6). EDGE Malcolm KoonceAge: 272025 stats: 30 tackles (14 solo ), 4.5 sacks, 13 QB hits
Malcolm Koonce had a breakout year for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023 but missed the entire 2024 season due to a torn ACL. Last season, the former third-round pick recorded 4.5 sacks and 13 QB hits in his first year back from injury. Similar to Ebukam, Koonce could be an affordable option with decent upside.
7). EDGE Dre’Mont JonesAge: 292025 Stats: 43 tackles (19 solo), 7 sacks, 24 QB hits
Jones is another player who could step in as a replacement for James Pearce Jr. next season. The 29-year-old was traded from the Titans to the Ravens at midseason and continued to produce in Baltimore. Jones recorded seven sacks and 51 total pressures last season. While he’s not an elite run defender, Jones rarely misses tackles and has stayed healthy for much of his career. In terms of bridge candidates, the Falcons could do a lot worse than Jones.
