The Atlanta Falcons are hiring longtime New Orleans Saints defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen as their new defensive coordinator, and it might open the door for an exodus of talent from the black and gold. Seven of Nielsen’s former players are pending free agents including starting defensive linemen Marcus Davenport and David Onyemata, as well as top backups like Tanoh Kpassagnon, Malcolm Roach, and Kentavius Street.
Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot previously worked as the director of pro personnel in New Orleans, but there has been little crossover between the two franchises early in his tenure. That might change now that Nielsen is getting promoted to a position where he can push for those changes. Here’s the full list of players who may follow Nielsen to Atlanta: