Post by Guvmintcheeze on Oct 20, 2015 20:25:21 GMT
Atlanta Falcons sign linebacker Philip Wheeler
Falcons coach Dan Quinn is adding some experience to his ferocious defensive front.
Atlanta has signed linebacker Philip Wheeler, the team announced Tuesday. In a corresponding move, the Falcons released safety Charles Godfrey.
Wheeler, an eight-year veteran, has compiled 493 combined tackles for the Colts, Raiders and Dolphins over his career. He was most recently a member of the 49ers with whom he played one game in the preseason. However, Wheeler was released following the final preseason game and had not been picked by a team through the first six weeks of the season.
The linebacker will add depth to a core that boasts Justin Durant, Paul Worrilow and O'Brien Schofield, who have combined for 79 tackles so far this season, and has helped the Falcons lead the league in rush defense (78.8 yards/game).
Wheeler, 6-2, 245 pounds was originally selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round (93rd overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft out of Georgia Tech. Wheeler played in 61 games with 24 starts for the Colts, and recorded 141 total tackles (62 solo). In 2012, he was signed by the Oakland Raiders and started all 16 games, tallying 109 total tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles. Wheeler spent the last two seasons with the Miami Dolphins, where he played in 31 games with 20 starts and posted 164 total tackles (118 solo).
Falcons coach Dan Quinn is adding some experience to his ferocious defensive front.
Atlanta has signed linebacker Philip Wheeler, the team announced Tuesday. In a corresponding move, the Falcons released safety Charles Godfrey.
Wheeler, an eight-year veteran, has compiled 493 combined tackles for the Colts, Raiders and Dolphins over his career. He was most recently a member of the 49ers with whom he played one game in the preseason. However, Wheeler was released following the final preseason game and had not been picked by a team through the first six weeks of the season.
The linebacker will add depth to a core that boasts Justin Durant, Paul Worrilow and O'Brien Schofield, who have combined for 79 tackles so far this season, and has helped the Falcons lead the league in rush defense (78.8 yards/game).
Wheeler, 6-2, 245 pounds was originally selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round (93rd overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft out of Georgia Tech. Wheeler played in 61 games with 24 starts for the Colts, and recorded 141 total tackles (62 solo). In 2012, he was signed by the Oakland Raiders and started all 16 games, tallying 109 total tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles. Wheeler spent the last two seasons with the Miami Dolphins, where he played in 31 games with 20 starts and posted 164 total tackles (118 solo).