The Atlanta Falcons’ first free agency acquisition of 2017 is former Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Jack Crawford.

Crawford was originally drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL draft, but was waived before the beginning of the 2014 season. After signing with the Cowboys and overcoming an injury-riddled season in 2014, he became a solid contributor in the defensive rotation.

Crawford’s career resume includes 9.5 sacks, 72 tackles, and a forced fumble in 57 total games. In 2016 alone, he tallied 3.5 sacks and 25 tackles while playing in all 16 games. He has started 12 games in his career, with 11 of those starts last year for Dallas. In short, Crawford is no star, but he has shown his ability to hold his own on the field and fill his assigned role.

As for his contract, Crawford will be making $10.3 million over three years, as reported by Ian Rapoport.

The #Falcons gave DL Jack Crawford a 3-year deal worth $10.3M, with $3.75M in year 1 — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2017

The price tag may not be ideal for a rotation player, but Crawford’s versatility and leadership is a factor as well. His experience of getting cut by Oakland and eventually earning a starting role on the Cowboys could be a valuable lesson in the growth and development of the young defensive players around him.

Also, Crawford is more than just a high motor defensive lineman, he has shown ability in getting to the quarterback and making plays at the line of scrimmage. This allows more creativity for the defensive coaching staff and more consistency for a front-seven that lacked it at times last season.

In all likelihood, Crawford will not be starting for Atlanta in 2017, barring an amazing pre-season or training camp performance or major injuries on the edges. He will be sharing time with players like Courtney Upshaw, mainly playing situational downs like third and long.

Crawford’s contract is higher than ideal and his stats are not anything to write home about but he is a solid, all-around rotational player with the potential to mentor the growing defenders that play alongside him. This signing alone won’t magically cure the Falcons defense of all its struggles, but depth is always beneficial and Crawford could definitely be a factor for an improved Falcons defense for the 2017 season.