Falcons will keep LB Wire, tight end and DT

The Falcons made several roster moves Thursday but none involving their top four players scheduled to become free agents.

Domonique Foxworth, Keith Brooking, Michael Boley and Chauncey Davis were to become unrestricted free agents at 12:01 a.m. Friday, the start of the NFL’s signing period. Brooking and Boley, both linebackers, and Foxworth, a cornerback, were defensive starters most of last season. Davis, a defensive end, was a reliable reserve.

While negotiations continued with those players, the Falcons agreed to terms with unrestricted free agents tight end Justin Peelle, linebacker Coy Wire and defensive tackle Jason Jefferson on Thursday, their agents said.

Right tackle Tyson Clabo and right guard Harvey Dahl received second-round tenders as restricted free agents. That means the Falcons would receive a second-round draft pick from any team that signs them.

Wide receiver Brian Finneran had his contract restructured, according to his agent.

Reserve offensive lineman Ben Wilkerson, a restricted free agent, will return to the Falcons after agreeing to a veteran minimum offer.

“He appreciates the opportunity they have given him,” said William L. Johnson, Wilkerson’s Atlanta-based agent.

Wire agreed to a two-year contract with the Falcons. He was signed to a veteran minimum contract last season and, per league rules, cannot sign a new contract until March 1, the first day of league’s new business year. Wire took over the starting strongside linebacker position from Boley late last season.

Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said the team will not be major players in the free-agent market this off-season. However, they could sign one or more mid-level players.

With the loss of Lawyer Milloy, an unrestricted free agent the Falcons will not re-sign, the Falcons are looking to re-vamp their defense, especially the secondary. Dimitroff said the Falcons would rely heavily on the draft. At the just-completed NFL scouting combine they were strongly scouting the safety and cornerback groups.

Last season, Dimitroff drafted three starters in quarterback Matt Ryan, left tackle Sam Baker and middle linebacker Curtis Lofton. He also drafted key reserves in wide receiver Harry Douglas and nickel back Chevis Jackson.