NFL Notes: Falcons, Jets & Saints

Falcons

Former Falcons DC Mike Nolan believes Atlanta needs to sign free agent OLB Dwight Freeney to a contract to improve their pass rush.

“But look, they are in dire need in Atlanta,” Nolan said, via ESPN.com. “If they screw up again this year, there will probably be huge change. They’ve got to do whatever they’ve got to do. In my opinion, they shouldn’t care who they bring on, because they’ve got to save their asses. If that’s the case, then bring Freeney on.

“If this was the New England Patriots, they’re not going to bring (Freeney) in. This would be a desperation move for Atlanta, but they’re in a desperate situation.”

Freeney is scheduled to visit with the Falcons this week, which comes a week after he met with the Bengals.

Nolan added that the Falcons should continue to use former first-round pick Vic Beasley as an edge rusher and not as a drop linebacker.

“I heard they moved Beasley to the drop linebacker? Well, I would rush him every down,” Nolan said. “That’s why they drafted him. They at least accumulated a few players (around Beasley). We didn’t have crap. They don’t have to make up anything. They need to stick with what (Beasley) does best.”

Jets

• Kimberly A. Martin reports that Jets WRs Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall, who skipped OTAs last week, are at the facility today.
• Decker was reportedly staying away from the team in protest for the Jets to re-sign QB Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Saints

• Former Saints CB Brandon Browner said in a reply to a message on Instagram that the Saints are “weak” and he “took that few millions (and) ran with it,” which is a reference to the $5 million he received for one year in New Orleans. (Times-Picayune)