The Atlanta Falcons just grabbed a high-upside linebacker from a division rival, and the timing couldn’t be better for a team needing instant depth. On September 30, Jordan Schultz of The Schultz Report broke the news that the club is signing former Minnesota Vikings linebacker Brian Asamoah II. This move signals a clear intent to shore up the middle of the defense without breaking the bank or waiting for the draft.
Asamoah brings a specific skill set that fits the modern NFL game perfectly. He is a former third-round pick out of Oklahoma who has seen action in 50 games. While playing for Minnesota, he recorded 30 total tackles, forced 2 fumbles, and recovered 1. After the Vikings waived him in August 2025, he passed through Tennessee and Las Vegas before landing with the Bengals late in the year, where he played four games before a season-ending injury. Now he is in Atlanta to help a squad that needs bodies ready to play.
Why the Falcons Took a Chance on Asamoah
The front office knows exactly what they are getting with this 6-foot-1, 230-pound athlete. According to reports, “Sources: The #Falcons are signing former #Vikings LB Brian Asamoah II.” The report adds that “A former 3rd-round pick out of Oklahoma, Asamoah recently worked out for Atlanta and will provide much-needed depth.” That last part is the key. The team isn’t looking for a savior; they need a reliable body who can step in immediately when injuries hit.
Scouts have always praised his motor and speed. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote back in 2022 that Asamoah is a “See-ball, get-ball linebacker with an itchy, twitchy trigger and explosive pursuit speed.” That style means he will be around the football constantly. However, Zierlein also noted a flaw: his “pursuit paths to the football are aggressive but they’re lacking in technique to maintain his gap integrity.” The Falcons coaching staff now has a job to fix that technique issue while letting his natural speed do the rest.
The Real Test Starts This Week
Asamoah faces a steep climb to earn a starting spot, but the path is open for him to prove his worth on special teams first. He was drafted 66th overall by the Vikings, a pick that came during a polarizing draft run under former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. Of the 28 players picked from 2022 through Adofo-Mensah’s firing in 2025, only 10 remain with the team. Asamoah is not one of those 10, yet he has a fresh start in Atlanta.
The NFC South race is wide open, with teams like the Carolina Panthers dealing with major injuries. Carolina star cornerback Jaycee Horn is out for 6-12 weeks with a torn quad, which changes the entire dynamic of the division.
