Atlanta Falcons Bolster Defense By Signing Jordan Fuller

The Atlanta Falcons made a significant move to strengthen their defense by signing veteran safety Jordan Fuller on March 19, 2025. This decision reflects the team's commitment to enhancing its defensive lineup after a disappointing previous season.

Fuller, 27, comes to the Falcons after spending the 2024 season with the Carolina Panthers. During his time in the NFL, Fuller has started in 55 games, including a pivotal role in the Los Angeles Rams’ Super Bowl victory in 2021, where he tallied an impressive 113 combined tackles. According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Fuller gives the Falcons excellent tackling abilities at the safety position and has shown a keen propensity to be around the football throughout his career.

In fact, over his five NFL seasons, Fuller has recorded a total of 333 tackles, of which 203 were solo efforts, along with seven interceptions and five forced fumbles. His performance during the Rams’ championship run highlights his capability, but inconsistency marred his time with the Panthers last season, where he made only 54 tackles while battling hamstring issues.

Fuller's acquisition is a strategic move for the Falcons, who finished a disappointing 23rd in both scoring and total defense in their inaugural season under head coach Raheem Morris. The team is not just looking to tidy up its backline but aims to overhaul its entire defensive strategy, a process partly propelled by the release of longtime defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. The leadership of Morris, who previously coached Fuller during his time with the Rams, could play a vital role in reviving Fuller's performance and instilling a winning culture in Atlanta.

Notably, Fuller is expected to complement Pro Bowl safety Jessie Bates, who had a productive first season with the Falcons, registering 102 total tackles. However, the need for reliable partners in the secondary becomes clear given that Justin Simmons, who struggled last season with the lowest Pro Football Focus grade of his career at 59.9, has not yet been re-signed. This puts pressure on the team to ensure they have solid support around Bates, and Fuller's addition aims to fulfill that need.

Fuller's career has seen highs and lows, with his notable contributions during the Rams’ playoff run overshadowed by his less impressive performances with the Panthers, where he posted career-worst PFF grades. Nevertheless, given the difficulties faced by the Panthers' defense—allowing an NFL-record 534 points last season—some of Fuller's struggles can be attributed to the broader challenges within that team.

With the signing of Fuller, the Falcons aim to infuse new life into a defense that desperately needs to improve. Their strategy also indicates they are willing to bring in experienced players who can immediately contribute. Fuller becomes the third new defensive starter added during free agency, joining defensive end Morgan Fox and edge rusher Leonard Floyd, reflecting a clear goal of making formidable changes ahead of the upcoming season.

Whether Fuller can rediscover his form with the Falcons remains to be seen. If he can regain the consistency he displayed with the Rams, he could be a transformative player for Atlanta’s secondary. The Falcons have certainly placed their hopes on Fuller stepping up and teaming efficiently with Bates to create a dynamic safety duo that can elevate their overall defensive performance.

As the offseason progresses, more moves could be on the horizon for the Falcons as they look to build a more competitive roster. The emphasis on depth at every position highlights the franchise's dedication to not just rebuilding but reestablishing itself as a contender in the NFC South. The addition of Fuller marks an exciting chapter for the team as they prepare for a more successful season ahead.

The Falcons have made it clear: they are all in on providing depth and addressing their defensive needs through strategic signings like Jordan Fuller’s. With optimism surrounding the potential turnaround in performance, the upcoming NFL season holds promise for the Atlanta Falcons.