Where Will Geno Atkins Land This Season?

It’s been a long road back to the field for Geno Atkins, early this week, Ian Rapoport reported that the 33-year-old defensive tackle has been cleared to return.

Atkins appeared in just eight games for the Cincinnati Bengals last season, playing on only 11 percent of the team’s snaps. Over those snaps, he recorded just two tackles.

Now, Atkins clearly wasn’t healthy for a majority of the 2020 season, dealing with a right shoulder injury at the end of training camp.

If he can return to his prior game-wrecking self in 2021, he could be a massive upgrade for a Super Bowl contending roster.  

With 75.5 sacks under his belt, three All-Pro nods, and eight Pro Bowl appearances, Atkins is clearly one of the most accomplished players left on the market. So, where might he end up this season now that he’s received a clean bill of health?

After selling his house in Cincinnati and the team’s recent binge of acquiring defensive tackles, it doesn’t seem likely that Atkins returns to the Bengals in 2021. 

Instead, it gives Atkins the chance to bring his special pass rush ability to a new city and team this season, perhaps providing just enough edge to make a big difference.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Owning a house in nearby Davie, Florida, landing with the Buccaneers would be a great chance for Atkins to chase a ring.

Plus, he’d have a better chance to play in a favorable rotation with fellow defensive tackles Vita Vea and Ndamukong Suh.

This move could be a great chance for Atkins to pad his career enough to launch him into the Hall of Fame if he’s not already at that rank.

Certainly, a Super Bowl title with Tom Brady and the Buccaneers would be a nice addition to one of the most impressive defensive tackle careers in recent history. 

Dallas Cowboys

A rumored landing spot for Atkins dating back several weeks, the Dallas defense has struggled over the last few seasons.

Last year, the team tried to give Gerald McCoy a chance at a resurgence, but he never had a chance to see the field after suffering an injury.  

Atkins could be a chance for Micah Parsons to get some veteran leadership while pairing him alongside Demarcus Lawrence could help the fellow Pro Bowler back to form.

Seattle Seahawks

If the Seahawks and defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. want to reignite a potent pairing of the recent past, this would be the move.  

In Seattle, Atkins could play alongside former running mate Carlos Dunlap to help bolster the pass rush.

Seemingly, it would be a move that could benefit both, as the two played their best football at the same points of their careers.

While things ended on a low note for both in Cincinnati, it’s easy to imagine the local fanbase rooting for both to do well in a new, shared situation.

Minnesota Vikings

During the prime of his career, Geno Atkins was in defensive-coordinator-turned-head-coach Mike Zimmer’s stifling defenses.

With Minnesota’s defense and Atkins himself both coming off of down years in 2020, the addition of the veteran could help spark a renewed pass rush.

While Atkins still likely needs to play on alimited snap count to keep himself on the field, he could be a valuable addition to their third-down defense.