Here are the moves the Atlanta Falcons should consider when free agency opens at 4 p.m. ET Thursday:
Address the defensive line. The Falcons underwent a major facelift at linebacker last offseason; this year, it's the defensive line's turn. Veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux, at age 35, won't be re-signed after spending 12 seasons with the team. There is a strong chance the Falcons will part ways with defensive tackle Tyson Jackson, who is signed through 2018 and will carry a $5.85 million cap number next season. And although seven-time Pro Bowl defensive end Dwight Freeney has expressed an interest in returning, the Falcons seem more than likely to move on from the 37-year-old pass-rusher or at least wait until the last possible moment to re-sign him.