Philip Wheeler Re-Signs with Falcons: Latest Contract Details and Reaction

The Atlanta Falcons re-signed linebacker Philip Wheeler to a deal on Thursday, the team announced, per Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com.

Wheeler signed with the Falcons as a free agent on Oct. 20, making them the fourth different team he's played for in eight years since being drafted in the third round in 2008 by the Indianapolis Colts.

After playing in at least 13 games his first seven years in the league, Wheeler appeared in nine games and started in two of them last season. He recorded 21 solo tackles in 2015, his lowest mark since his two-tackle rookie season.

“I would love to come back next year,” Wheeler said on Jan. 4, per D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “I appreciate the opportunity that they gave me to play here. We had some good times and some bad times. Some wins and some losses, but it was a great opportunity.”

Despite playing in limited action, Wheeler was a quality signing for Dan Quinn's defense. The former Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket thrived in his return home to Atlanta, where he's proved himself a capable defender who provides good depth in Quinn's defense. 

He'll be much needed in an Atlanta defense that is looking to improve on its mediocre standing last season. It allowed over 5,500 total yards with a linebacking group that lacked real punch.

Paul Worrilow and Justin Durant, who was released by the team this offseason, led the team in solo tackles, but neither of them had over 70. The next leading linebacker was Nathan Stupar with just 25.

The Falcons made some moves to improve on the situation with the re-signing of veteran Sean Weatherspoon, who spent last season with the Arizona Cardinals after five with the Falcons. But he's only had 35 solo tackles over his past two seasons, as injuries have cut his time on the field short.

Bringing back Wheeler will at least give the Falcons another option and body at the linebacker position as they look for the right defensive combinations in preparation for the 2016 season.

And at a low cost, there is little risk and a high reward awaiting if they decide to give Wheeler regular playing time.