The arrival of second-year linebacker Nate Landman was a welcome surprise for the Atlanta Falcons during a disappointing season.
After Troy Andersen had a pectoral injury that ended the season, Landman was thrust into the starting lineup and finished with 110 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles.
The 24-year-old is now back in the fold as Atlanta re-signed Landman, an exclusive rights free agent, as per a press statement on Wednesday.
Details about duration and remuneration are still unknown.
In 2024, Barrett Ruud will take over as position coach at Landman, replacing Frank Bush, who was let go from Raheem Morris’s staff to become head coach.
Ruud and Landman’s relationship dates back to a 2018 collegiate game. Ruud, who was the University of Nebraska’s linebackers coach at the time, observed as sophomore Landman from the University of Colorado outplayed the Cornhuskers.
14 tackles, two tackles for loss, an interception, and a forced fumble were all gathered by Landman. Because of his effort, he was given the FWAA’s Defensive Player of the Week. According to Ruud, Landman gave Colorado the game.
Because of this, Ruud had a favorable image of Landman going into Atlanta, which was strengthened upon seeing his professional tape.
Ruud declared, “He’s a natural football player.” “He’s a competent tackler; in the NFL, one need just be able to tackle in college. He has excellent instincts and is quick to get to the ball. He had a great start to his NFL career the previous year.”
Ruud added that Landman is a high-contact player, so the Falcons now have a formidable trio in the middle of their defense with his return.
Prior to his injury, Andersen, a 2022 second-round selection, was expected to have a big sophomore campaign. The 6-4, 235-pound Andersen is praised for his upside and athletic prowess; he recorded a 4.42 40-yard sprint.
Elliss was signed by the Falcons in the spring of last year to a three-year, $21 million contract. He had a successful season, starting all 17 games and recording 122 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, six quarterback hits, and four sacks.
Add the dependable and consistent Landman to the mix, and Ruud believes he has a bunch of players whose distinct skill sets work well together.
“Troy’s probably the highest-end athlete – can really run, [is] big, strong, fast, has all the measurables,” Ruud stated. “Kaden is arguably the most adaptable because he can play at the line of scrimmage, rush the passer, and cover well when it’s third down.
“And Nate’s kind of more of the old-school, box, throwback linebacker.”
Under coordinator Ryan Nielsen’s leadership last season, Atlanta’s defense advanced; however, Nielsen left to take the same position with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Now that Morris has taken over as head coach and Jimmy Lake has been brought in to take Nielsen’s place, the Falcons are expecting more development.