NFL veteran defensive tackle David Onyemata signed a new contract with the Atlanta Falcons. Onyemata, a former fourth-round pick, has spent the entirety of his professional career with the New Orleans Saints.
#Falcons have agreed to terms with DT David Onyemata, source says. Reunites with defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 13, 2023
David Onyemata, Atlanta Falcons, Agree to Contract
Despite playing the 2022 season at the relatively advanced age of 30, David Onyemata had perhaps the best season of his career. Starting and appearing in all 17 games, the defensive tackle ended the year with five sacks, 43 tackles, five tackles-for-loss, 11 quarterback hits, one fumble recovery, and one pass defended. Despite his best efforts, the Saints fell short of the playoffs and finished the year with a 7-10 record.
David Onyemata originally entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Selected by the New Orleans Saints, Onyemata spent the majority of his rookie season coming off the bench. Appearing in all 16 games without recording a start, the Manitoba product finished his rookie season with 18 tackles, four quarterback hits, and no sacks.
The defensive tackle improved from his relatively pedestrian inaugural season and became a key part of the defensive rotation. In 2017 and 2018, Onyemata appeared in 32 games while making 10 starts. Over this span, he recorded 6.5 sacks, 41 tackles, eight tackles-for-loss, and 11 quarterback hits.
In 2019, Onyemata earned a full-time starting job along the defensive line. Starting and appearing in 15 games, the Manitoba product finished the season with three sacks, 32 tackles, three tackles-for-loss, and 11 quarterback hits. The Saints made it to the playoffs once again, but ultimately lost in heartbreaking fashion to the Minnesota Vikings in the Wild Card round.
The Saints rewarded David Onyemata with a three-year contract extension, and Onyemata paid back that faith with a career-best 6.5 sacks in 2020. New Orleans made yet another playoff push in what would end up being the final year of Drew Brees’ career, but they were unable to send him out on top. Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers eliminated the Saints en route to winning the Super Bowl.
Main Photo: Eric Hartline – USA Today Sports
