The Atlanta Falcons passed on Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft, instead opting to secure the future of the quarterback position by taking Washington's Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick.

This was a surprise for many reasons, but partially because the team did not re-sign Bud Dupree or Calais Campbell in free agency. The Falcons waited until the third round of the draft to select outside linebacker Bralen Trice. After a promising start in training camp, Trice tore his ACL during Friday's preseason game against the Miami Dolphins.

The rookie was placed on the injured reserve list over the weekend, leaving the team rather thin at the outside linebacker position. With that in mind, we've examined five potential edge options -- on the trade market and in free agency -- for Atlanta to consider as a replacement for Trice.

1. Matthew Judon (Patriots)

The Patriots may no longer have Bill Belichick, but they still aren't crazy about paying their star players. Matthew Judon is at a standoff with the front office and the Falcons could use an impact player like him off the edge. Multiple teams have reportedly reached out to the Patriots about trading for Judon. The four-time Pro Bowler had the two best seasons of his career for New England. After a breakout 12.5-sack season in 2021, he posted a career-high 15.5 sacks in 2022. Judon is in the final year of his contract and has a cap hit of $14,675,850. If the Falcons are going all in, why not take a chance on Judon?

2. Carl Lawson (Free Agent)

After playing four seasons in Cincinnati, Lawson went to the Jets and had somewhat of a breakout season in 2022 with seven sacks and 24 QB hits. The 29-year-old did not have the same level of success in 2023, appearing in just six games. Lawson was waived by the Jets in February and despite getting some recent workouts, remains on the free-agent market. The Falcons could use Lawson as a rotational piece this season. Since Trice likely wasn't going to start in Week 1, the veteran edge rusher would fill essentially the same role for Atlanta. Plus, Lawson is someone the team can afford.

3. Haason Reddick (Jets)

We've reached our second disgruntled edge rusher. The Jets traded for Haason Reddick a few months ago, but they don't seem willing to fork over the money it would require for a long-term deal. On Monday, Reddick officially requested a trade from New York. The former Cardinals linebacker has recorded at least 11 sacks in four straight seasons while playing for three different teams (Cardinals, Panthers and Eagles). The Falcons could use a difference-making edge rusher like Reddick, even if they have to pay a premium price. The two-time Pro Bowler started his career with three underwhelming seasons before really taking off in 2020.

4. Shaq Lawson (Free Agent)

As we get back to reality, former Bills defensive end Shaq Lawson is another free agent who makes sense as a possible replacement for Trice. Lawson had 3.5 sacks for Buffalo in 2022 before seeing his role reduced in 2023. He still played in 16 games but only had one start, recording one sack and 13 total tackles. The Falcons could use him in a similar rotational role, providing some quality depth for a potential playoff run in 2024.

5. Yannick Ngakoue (Free Agent)

If the Falcons need a veteran with a proven track record, Yannick Ngakoue is their man. The 29-year-old has been a model of consistency since entering the league in 2016. Ngakoue has recorded at least eight sacks in all but one of his eight NFL seasons. Last year, the former Pro Bowler appeared in just 13 games for the Chicago Bears. Ngakoue had 10 sacks for the Raiders in 2021 and 9.5 sacks for the Colts in 2022. The Falcons would be getting a starting-caliber edge rusher but wouldn't need to rely on him to play every down.

More Latest Falcons News!

Falcons sign cornerback William Hooper, release two players

Falcons Recap: Justin Simmons works out, Haason Reddick available?

Falcons sign veteran defensive back Josh Thompson

Falcons to host Pro Bowl safety on free-agent visit, per report

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on injury to DeMarcco Hellams

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: 5 EDGE options for the Falcons to replace rookie Bralen Trice