Needy Falcons Add Mike Peterson

The Falcons had no strongside linebacker after Michael Boley opted to sign with the Giants. They had no weakside linebacker after letting Keith Brooking go. Atlanta's breathing a little easier now, though, because, according to NFL.com, it has picked up Mike Peterson, a guy that can fill in at either spot.

Peterson spent the last six years in Jacksonville, though he was banged up in 2006-07 -- playing in just 15 total games -- and served a one-game suspension last season before pulled from the starting defense. Despite all that turmoil last season, he made 84 tackles. From 2002-05, Peterson never missed a game, playing three seasons with the Jags and one with Indianapolis, averaging 123 tackles per year.

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The fallout in Jacksonville was swift and surprising this past year, putting the writing on the wall for a Peterson exit once he hit free agency. It made sense for him to wind up in Atlanta, given the attrition the Falcons experienced in the past couple weeks.

Peterson has 11 NFL seasons under his belt, so he'll bring some much-needed experience to Atlanta, which must fill Brooking's shoes in that department.

The big question is: Can he stay healthy? Atlanta's no doubt willing to chalk up the little incident with Jack Del Rio as a blip on the radar, but the injuries that cost him 17 games in the two seasons before this past one are a bit of a red flag. Still, even at 32, Peterson is a solid linebacker and a guy with a nose for the ball -- especially when playing against the run -- so he'll certainly help remake Atlanta's suddenly depleted linebacking corps.