LOOK: New Falcons Jessie Bates, Bud Dupree in Action Before OTAs

Here's a look at two of the Atlanta Falcons' free agency signings - safety Jessie Bates and edge defender Bud Dupree - on the field in their new threads.

After two years of being forced to sit out much of free agency, the Atlanta Falcons enjoyed an active (and expensive) spring filled with new acquisitions.

Offensively, the Falcons signed backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke and receivers Mack Hollins and Scotty Miller, along with trading for tight end Jonnu Smith from the New England Patriots.

But Atlanta made its biggest waves on the defensive side of the ball, bringing in safety Jessie Bates III, cornerbacks Jeff Okudah and Mike Hughes, linebacker Kaden Elliss and defensive linemen David Onyemata, Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree.

The Falcons also have a new face leading the defense, with Ryan Nielsen taking over for Dean Pees as defensive coordinator after six years as the New Orleans Saints' defensive line coach, the last of which was spent as the co-defensive coordinator.

So, what do some of Atlanta's recent acquisitions look like in jerseys? Pads haven't been introduced to the offseason program quite yet, but here's a look at Bates and Dupree in their Falcons threads ...

30 out here moving 💨 pic.twitter.com/gdvWkq5k6H

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) May 17, 2023

Laser focus 😈@Bud_Dupree pic.twitter.com/4RziqrCe1V

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) May 17, 2023

The Falcons made Bates the crown jewel of their free agency class, giving him a four-year deal worth just over $64 million. Across five years with the Cincinnati Bengals, Bates racked up 14 interceptions and an All-Pro nod, emerging as one of the league's premiere free safeties.

Dupree's signing came at a lesser price - just one year worth up to $3 million with only $1.5 million guaranteed - but has immense upside, as the former Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans pass rusher believes he's fully healthy for the first time since tearing his ACL in 2020.

With just seven sacks in 22 games during two years with the Titans, Dupree hasn't produced the double-digit sack numbers he proved capable of in Pittsburgh, but there's potential for the Macon, Ga., native to become a steady rotational pass rusher in his homecoming.

Up next on the agenda for Bates, Dupree and the rest of Atlanta's roster comes May 23-25, when OTAs kick off the first full-squad on-field workouts of the offseason.

---

You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Falcons? Click Here.

Follow Falcon Report on Twitter.

Want even more Atlanta Falcons news? Check out the Si.com team page here