The Atlanta Falcons have already locked up a veteran defender for the 2019 season. According to an official statement released by the team on Monday, the Falcons have signed former Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Jets linebacker Bruce Carter to a one-year contract extension.

Carter originally arrived in Atlanta ahead of the 2018 campaign after serving stints with the trio of the aforementioned franchise since first breaking into the NFL back in 2011-2012. The soon-to-be 31-year-old linebacker was selected by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft out of North Carolina and went on to remain in Dallas through the 2014 season.

After remaining in Dallas for the better part of his NFL career, Carter then spent just one year with the Buccaneers and two more seasons with the Jets. Due to his journey around the league and success over the years, Carter's veteran presence was certainly felt in the Falcons' locker room this past season.

Article Continues Below
More Atlanta Falcons News
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) catches a touchdown pass against the Indianapolis Colts during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Falcons rumors: What Adam Schefter is hearing on Kyle Pitts injury, trade rumorsBen Strauss ·
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) warms up on the field prior to the game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
NFL rumors: Falcons insider picks Browns Kirk Cousins trade idea over SteelersZachary Weinberger ·
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) throws the ball against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first half at Allegiant Stadium.
NFL rumors: Falcons insider shuts down Vikings trade ideas for Kirk CousinsMalik Brown ·
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) in action against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Falcons rumors: Atlanta’s Kyle Pitts asking price douses trade talks in cold waterBen Strauss ·
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) gets yards after the catch as Minnesota Vikings linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill (54) attempts to make the tackle during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Kyle Pitts dealing with foot injury amid trade rumorsScotty White ·
Kyle Pitts photoshopped in titans jersey. Include his jersey number.
Titans trade proposal for Kyle Pitts gives Cam Ward another weaponBailey Bassett ·

“He picks up on stuff really quickly,” rookie linebacker Foyesade Oluokun said of Carter during the season, via the team's official website. “I listen to him when he's talking to coach and he helps our room out a lot because he has so much experience. We help him out with the calls and he helps us out with the plays to expect.”

The Falcons are just a few seasons removed from an appearance in the Super Bowl, a game that perhaps set the NFC South franchise back due to the devastating fashion in which the defeat came. As a result, Atlanta will look to rebound come next season after missing out on the playoffs in the 2018 season.