The Atlanta Falcons are allegedly hours away from locking up a defensive end, although it's not soon-to-be free agent John Abraham, but Kroy Biermann, who will sign a three or four year contract extension, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Biermann, drafted by Atlanta in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft, has started 17 games and appeared in 64, including 14 starts in the Falcons' 13-3 2010 season. Since coming to the league, he's recorded 143 tackles, 12.5 sacks, two interceptions and two touchdowns on turnovers. He finished 2011 with 37 tackles and 2.5 sacks.
While he hasn't the experience of an Abraham or Ray Edwards, the AJC points to one facet of Biermann's game that could prove crucial as the Falcons evolve their 4-3 base defense to a hybrid 3-4:
He’s also has been solid when dropping in coverage, a particular skill that may get more use under new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan.
Biermann's extension could point to the likely end of Abraham's time in Atlanta. The All-Pro defensive end recently commented he expected to paid around $10 million a season.
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