Kroy

Biermann

Per beat writer D. Orlando Ledbetter, the re-signing is “imminent.” Biermann should come relatively cheap after a disappointing 2011 season. Per Ledbetter, the estimated cost will be $10 million to $12 million over 3-4 seasons.

Biermann, 26, played off the bench behind RE John Abraham and LE Ray Edwards last season, mostly seeing action on running downs. He managed 37 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Biermann is a solid left end, rotational type, but he seems to have maxed out as a 30 snap-per-game player who’s not going to bring much pressure. Defensive end remains a need spot for Atlanta this offseason.

“The man is a beast,” says veteran pass rusher John Abraham. Biermann has been used as a “spy” on Cam Newton, Robert Griffin III and Michael Vick, and has even dropped into coverage as a safety. In his 4-3/3-3-5 hybrid scheme, Nolan has used Biermann as a “movable chess piece,” to borrow a favorite term of NFL Films guru Greg Cosell.

The Falcons plan on running a hybrid defense under Mike Nolan, which will feature more 3-4 looks. The team drafted two traditional defensive ends and signed Osi Umenyiora, increasing the odds Biermann will focus on more of “movable” role. Nolan added Biermann is a player he believes can help cover athletic tight ends, implying he may also see time at SAM linebacker in 4-3 alignments.

“I’m not ruling out anything,” Smith said. DC Mike Nolan was a 3-4 man until arriving in Atlanta, and a switch has been rumored for over a year. The Falcons’ 4-3 attack generated just 29 sacks in 2012, which was 28th in the league. DE Kroy Biermann would be a candidate to shift to linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, while OLB Sean Weatherspoon would likely kick inside.

“This is the first time that they’ve really taken the step to make me more inside than outside and I feel pretty comfortable,” he said. The former No. 8 overall pick is likely going to lose his starting job to Kroy Biermann. Second-year defensive end Lawrence Sidbury’s reps will also increase.

Biermann was carted to the locker room after making his way to the sideline. Atlanta defenders are dropping like flies these first two weeks.

The loss of Biermann is huge; he was a movable chess piece in Mike Nolan’s defense, playing every snap and operating as both an up-front and second-level player. Look for the Falcons to lean on Jonathan Babineaux more at defensive end going forward. Ewing’s loss is less significant; he only played 14 snaps through the first two games. Still, the Biermann injury is big and could cause a ripple effect on an Atlanta defense that already had average talent.

It’s the first we’ve heard from Biermann since he made a visit to the Bills in March. He’s possibly dealing with an unknown injury, as Biermann is coming off a decent season as a run-stuffing edge defender in Atlanta.

Biermann has been a defensive end throughout his career, but it is likely he will be asked to play outside linebacker in Buffalo. The Bills are very thin on the strongside after losing Shaq Lawson (shoulder), Manny Lawson (pec) and IK Enemkpali (knee). Biermann has the run-stopping skills to do well there.