ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons have fortified the middle of new coach Dan Quinn’s defense by signing free-agent linebackers Brooks Reed and Justin Durant.

Reed had 14 1/2 sacks in four seasons as a starter with the Houston Texans. He started 13 of 16 games in 2014 and had three sacks and his first career interception.

Reed’s signing comes less than two weeks after his 28th birthday.

The 29-year-old Durant has logged eight NFL seasons with Jacksonville, Detroit and Dallas. Durant’s 2014 season with the Cowboys ended when he was placed on IR on Oct. 29 with a torn biceps in his right arm.

The Falcons on Tuesday also announced signing free-agent offensive tackle Mike Person, a backup with the Rams in 2014. The team re-signed running back Antone Smith.

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This article was written by Charles Odum from The Associated Press and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network.