Altanta apparently isn't concerned that Latupu hasn't been his best in four years. (US Presswire)
Despite not playing last season because of injuries (in January 2011, he underwent surgery on both knees), the Falcons worked out former Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu Friday and then signed him to a contract Saturday.

As the Atlanta Journal Constitution astutely points out, the signing of Tatupu -- a three-time Pro Bowler -- likely ends the tenure of Curtis Lofton, a starter in Atlanta the past four years who had played more than 95 percent of the team’s defensive snaps.

But like Pro Football Talk writes, the signing of Tatupu makes some sense for the Falcons, because new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan got to know Tatupu well when he coached in San Francisco and had to face off against the linebacker twice a year.

Tatupu missed most of the 2009 season with a torn pectoral muscle, and his 2010 season was one of the worst of his career. So, the Falcons are taking a risk that the player Nolan knew four seasons ago can return to the form that made him one of the best linebackers around.

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