FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons bulked up their depleted linebacker corps, signing free agent Mike Peterson on Tuesday.

Peterson will be reunited with Falcons coach Mike Smith, who previously served as defensive coordinator in Jacksonville. Terms of the three-year contract were not immediately available.

The 32-year-old Peterson played the last six seasons with the Jaguars. He started his 10-year career in Indianapolis.

"Mike is a very sound, versatile linebacker who has gained plenty of experience and knowledge over his 10-year career," Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said. "He is the type of player who will lead the team on the field and in the locker room."

Atlanta was looking for a veteran at linebacker after losing five-time Pro Bowl selection Keith Brooking to the Dallas Cowboys and Michael Boley, who started much of last season on the strong side, to the New York Giants. The only full-time starter still on the roster is middle linebacker Curtis Lofton, a rookie last season.

Peterson's days in Jacksonville were numbered when he ran afoul of Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio last year. The linebacker was sent home twice for insubordination, fined $10,000 and benched for a game during Jacksonville's disappointing season.

Their problems started when Del Rio criticized the team captain during a meeting for his muscle-flexing celebration after a sack at Cincinnati. Peterson tried to defend himself, but Del Rio has already told the players he didn't want to hear any excuses.

Despite his problems, Peterson led the Jaguars with 139 tackles — his eighth season with 100-plus stops.

"I had the pleasure of coaching Mike for five seasons in Jacksonville," Smith said. "He is a passionate player who brings a great deal of intensity to the game."