Kroy Biermann entered NFL lore as a tenacious linebacker drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. By 2017, he had evolved into a veteran leader respected for his special teams intensity and coverage discipline.
Through contract extensions and veteran-minimum deals, Biermann balanced financial pragmatism with consistent production while adapting to scheme changes in a hybrid linebacker-safety role.
2017 Season Performance Snapshot
Biermann’s 2017 campaign blended situational impact with steady depth management across the defensive unit.
| Team | Year | Tackles | Sacks | Forced Fumbles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Falcons | 2017 | 38 | 2.0 | 1 |
| Opponent Rate | 2017 | 8.6 TFL | 4.0 PBU | 2 INT |
| Special Teams Snaps | 2017 | 12 of 16 games | 10 tackles | 11 gunners |
Defensive Role and Coverage Duties
In 2017, Biigner operated primarily in hybrid safety and Will linebacker alignments, leveraging his size to bracket tight ends and neutralize intermediate zones.
Film study from that season highlighted his disciplined gap discipline, reliable open-field tackling, and timely safety-rotator instincts against both run and play-action concepts.
Contract Structure and 2017 Cap Management
Biermann’s 2017 approach centered on a veteran-minimum contract that preserved roster flexibility while rewarding leadership and special teams reliability.
| Contract Element | 2016 Base | 2017 Restructured | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $700,000 | $615,000 | Reduction via restructure to minimize cap hit |
| Signing Bonus | $0 | $250,000 | Spread over two years for dead-cap protection |
| Total Cap Charge | $735,000 | $690,000 | Aligned with Falcons limited resources at the time |
Special Teams Impact and Gunner Role
Biermann’s value in 2017 extended beyond base defense, as he remained a consistent contributor in sub-packages and nickel packages.
Coaching staffs targeted him on obvious passing downs due to his competitive streak and reliable hands in coverage against boundary receivers.
Leadership and Locker Room Influence
As a senior presence, Biermann used his playoff experience to mentor younger linebackers and safeties while maintaining film-study rigor.
His communication skills on the field helped organize a defense that ranked above average in third-down efficiency and red-zone prevention during the 2017 stretch.
Legacy and Takeaways from the 2017 Season
- Consistent depth contributor in both 4-3 and 3-4 alignments.
- Above-average special teams producer valued for gunner assignments.
- Cap-efficient veteran signing that balanced performance and budget.
- Mentorship role for younger players in practice and in-game situations.
- Reliable coverage option against tight ends and slot receivers.
FAQ
Reader questions
How many tackles did Kroy Biermann record in 2017?
Kroy Biermann recorded 38 combined tackles during the 2017 regular season.
Did Biermann register any sacks in 2017?
Yes, he recorded 2.0 sacks over the course of the 2017 campaign.
What was Biermann’s role on special teams in 2017?
He primarily served as a gunner and contributed 10 special-teams tackles across 12 games started.
How did his contract change heading into 2017?
Biermann took a veteran-minimum restructure that lowered his base salary while using a signing bonus to preserve flexibility.