The Falcons are “aggressively” pursuing prospective free agent Paul Soliai, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (via Twitter). La Canfora notes that Atlanta may be implementing some 3-4 elements on defense, since Soliai is perhaps the best nose tackle available this offseason.
As of last week, the Dolphins had yet to make contract offers to either Soliai or fellow defensive lineman Randy Starks, so it looks like both players will reach the open market. The Dolphins are instead targeting other defensive tackles, including Earl Mitchell, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.
Soliai, who has also attracted interest from the Vikings, will turn 31 in December, so he may not receive as lucrative a long-term deal as some of the younger linemen on the market. However, he’d certainly make an excellent addition on a Falcons defensive line that badly needs to be retooled. According to Jackson, Soliai’s decision is down to three teams.