Babineaux recorded 31 tackles and two sacks in 15 games with the Falcons in 2014.

Babineaux signed a three-year extension with the Falcons in March, so he'll be back with the team in 2015. Although Atlanta still ranked in the bottom half of the league in run defense, they had a noticeable improvement from 2013 when they ranked second to last in the league. This year they ranked 21st, due in large part to Babineaux's big presence in the middle of the defensive line.

Falcons re-signed DT Jonathan Babineaux to a three-year contract.

Babineaux, 32, has spent his entire nine-year career in Atlanta since being a second-round pick in 2005. After re-signing DT Corey Peters last week, the Falcons are returning their starting defensive tackle duo. They need to continue to seek upgrades at the position and have been linked to free agent DTs Paul Soliai and Randy Starks. Babineaux is just a run stuffer at this stage of his career.

The Falcons are reportedly closing in on a three-year deal to re-sign free agent DT Jonathan Babineaux.

At age 32, Babineaux shouldn't be expensive. He's coming off a 42-tackle, one-sack season as a run plugger up the gut.

The Falcons are in "active talks" with free agent DT Jonathan Babineaux.

The Falcons are looking to bring back their starting defensive line after signing Cory Peters earlier this week. Babineaux, 32, could command a two- or three-year contract. Free agent reserve DT Peria Jerry is not expected to be retained.

Free agent DT Jonathan Babineaux said he wants to re-sign with the Falcons.

Babineaux has been with Atlanta throughout his nine-year career. He's not a pass rusher, but remains an asset against the run and has piled up 15 tackles for a loss over the last two seasons. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution suggests a "modest" two- or three-year contract.

Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff says the team would like to re-sign impending free agent DT Jonathan Babineaux.

"He's becoming a little bit ageless," quipped Dimitroff. "It would be nice to have him back." Although Babineaux managed one sack among 16 starts in 2013, he graded out as one of Atlanta's top run stuffers per Pro Football Focus, and has spent his entire career as a Falcon. At age 32, his price should be reasonable.

There has been no progress on a new contract for impending free agent DT Jonathan Babineaux yet.

Falcons DT Jonathan Babineaux recorded 8.5 tackles for loss in 2012.

The number ranked him second among all defensive tackles in the category, behind Bills two-time Pro Bowler Kyle Williams. Pro Football Focus graded Babineaux out as its No. 35 defensive tackle, mainly because he struggles against the run. The 31-year-old has one year left on his contract at $4.7 million. Atlanta needs to find a run-stuffer to pair with Babineaux on the interior.

Falcons DT Jonathan Babineaux (knee) and SLB Stephen Nicholas (calf) have both resumed practicing.

Babineaux's return could provide a very big lift for an Atlanta defense that doesn't have a sack in its last three games. Babineaux is a difference-making pass rusher on the interior. Nicholas is stout in run defense and excels in coverage. These have been big missing pieces over the past few weeks.

Falcons declared DT Jonathan Babineaux, CB Darrin Walls, RB Antone Smith, LB Spencer Adkins, C Todd McClure, G Mike Johnson and DE Cliff Matthews inactive for Week 2 against the Eagles.

Slot receiver Harry Douglas is active just one week after suffering a concussion. Peria Jerry will spell Babineaux, who is expected to miss 3-to-5 weeks with a partially torn MCL. Joe Hawley will start in McClure's place.

Falcons DT Jonathan Babineaux will miss 3-5 weeks after suffering a partially torn MCL in the season opener.

Babineaux won't go under the knife, but he could opt for surgery after the season. If Corey Peters (knee) can return this week, he's a prime candidate to take Babineaux's spot in the starting lineup. Either way, it's a major downgrade. Babineaux is easily Atlanta's best all-around defensive tackle and a linchpin in the run defense.

Falcons DT Jonathan Babineaux underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery during the offseason.

The 29-year-old says he's back to 100 percent, so it shouldn't be an issue this season. Babineaux was average against the run last year, but graded out as a top-15 pass rushing defensive tackle, according to Pro Football Focus.

Falcons activated DT Jonathan Babineaux from the reserve/suspended list.

He'll start against Arizona. Babineaux's absence was glaring in the opener, as Atlanta's interior line was pushed around by Maurkice Pouncey and company, with Rashard Mendenhall rumbling for 135 total yards. Babineaux's primary job is to pass rush, but he's also plenty capable in run defense.

NFL suspended Falcons DT Jonathan Babineaux one game for violating the league's Personal Conduct Policy.

He'll also lose one game check, worth $260,000 of his $2.2M salary. The Falcons' best interior pass rusher, Babineaux's ban results from his 2009 arrest for possession of marijuana. The 28-year-old finished last season with six sacks, two forced fumbles, a pair of recoveries, and 47 tackles.

Falcons DT Jonathan Babineaux had a felony marijuana charge reduced to three counts of misdemeanor possession in an Atlanta County Court on Monday.

Babineaux essentially accepted the reduction by pleading no contest to one of them, and was sentenced to 12 months probation along with paying a $1,500 fine. The other two counts were suspended and won't be prosecuted if he isn't arrested again in the next year. Babineaux remains at risk of a league suspension, but it may not be as harsh as it could have been.

Falcons DT Jonathan Babineaux, DE Chauncey Davis, and rookie WR Kerry Meier all returned to practice Thursday.

The team's official website reported last week that the three were out following recent surgeries. Today's story only says the three had "injuries" last week. We're skeptical that they ever went under the knife.

According to the team's official website, DT Jonathan Babineaux, DE Chauncey Davis, and rookie WR Kerry Meier are all rehabbing from recent surgeries.

The team offered no details on the surgeries. All three players could return to practice within "the next seven to ten days," so it doesn't sound like the procedures were more than minor scopes.