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Quinn addresses why Falcons re-signed Kroy Biermann

Atlanta Falcons Defensive End Kory Biermann (71) sports a pair of blood shot red contact lenses during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on November 25, 2012. The Falcons defeated the Buccaneers 24-23.. (AP Photo/Don Juan Moore) Atlanta Falcons Defensive End Kroy Biermann (71) sports a pair of blood shot red contact lenses during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on November 25, 2012. The Falcons defeated the Buccaneers 24-23.. (AP Photo/Don Juan Moore)
Atlanta Falcons Defensive End Kory Biermann (71) sports a pair of blood shot red contact lenses during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on November 25, 2012. The Falcons defeated the Buccaneers 24-23.. (AP Photo/Don Juan Moore) Atlanta Falcons Defensive End Kroy Biermann (71) sports a pair of blood shot red contact lenses during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on November 25, 2012. The Falcons defeated the Buccaneers 24-23.. (AP Photo/Don Juan Moore)
D. Orlando Ledbetter
By D. Orlando Ledbetter

FLOWERY BRANCH – Late in free agency, the Falcons re-signed outside linebacker/defensive end Kroy Biermann, after the team had parted ways with several other more productive veterans.

“Well, he was somebody that we always wanted back,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said via phone from the owners’ meetings when asked why the team re-signed Biermann. “I’m thrilled that he is back.”

Biermann, 6-3, 255 pounds, was selected by the Falcons in the fifth-round (154th overall) of the 2008 NFL draft.

Biermann, who was battling back from Achilles surgery last season, led the team with 4.5 sacks last season.

In seven seasons in Atlanta, he has posted 273 tackles (202 solo) with 21 sacks, one fumble recovery, one forced fumble, two interceptions, and three defensive touchdowns. He's played in 98 games and made 37 starts. He flourished early in his career as a special teams player.

Biermann, who was signed to a one-year deal, will get a shot to play at the Leo hybrid linebacker/defensive end position in Quinn's 4-3 "under" defense. He received a $500,000 signing bonus, $325,000 roster bonus with $1.1 million in base salary.

“He’s played, has versatility and has experience playing defensive end, he has experience playing outside linebacker,” Quinn said. “But we are going to play him at our Leo spot. I can’t wait to get started with him and see his competition, attitude and finish. Those are all of the things that he can bring. I can’t wait to get started with him.”

Biermann, who made $4.082 million last season, re-signed for a 50 percent pay cut. He’s expected to contribute on special teams and earn a reserve role on the defense.

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