National Football League

Falcons looking forward to pass-rush boost from Freeney

Published Aug. 3, 2016 3:39 p.m. ET

foxsports

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) Pass-rush help for the Atlanta Falcons is on the way.

Veteran linebacker Dwight Freeney was the talk of the Falcons' training camp on Wednesday, a day after agreeing to a one-year deal with the team. Freeney, who is expected to arrive Thursday, is an important addition to a defense that ranked last in the league in sacks last season.

Coach Dan Quinn says the 36-year-old Freeney will play in nickel packages as a pass-rush specialist. Freeney played a similar role with Arizona last season.

Freeney also could be a mentor for such young players as Vic Beasley Jr., the 2015 first-round pick who led the Falcons with four sacks. Freeney had eight sacks in 11 games with Arizona.

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