Head coach Dan Quinn will hang on to Courtney Upshaw.
With today being the last opportunity to finalize contracts and secure moves on unrestricted free agents, the Atlanta Falcons and Upshaw both agreed on terms — according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
Courtney Upshaw also agreed to terms to remain with Falcons, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2017
He became a free agent after the 2015 season with the Baltimore Ravens, and signed a one-year deal worth $1.25 million for Atlanta in March of 2016. Upshaw, a second-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, played in 13 games during the team’s run to Super Bowl 51. He recorded 24 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery, assisting the Falcons to an NFC Conference title at 11-5. Atlanta’s defense became a strength late in the year, as Upshaw and company totaled 10 sacks and seven turnovers in the playoffs. Before the National Football League, Upshaw was a two-time BCS national champion and an All-American at Alabama (2008-11).
He amassed 141 tackles, 17.5 sacks, one interception and six forced fumbles in his career.
Stephen M. Smith is a managing editor and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALM
