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Atlanta Falcons

Posted: 6:00 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013

UPDATED: Which free agents should the Falcons retain?  

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January 17, 2013
Head coach Mike Smith, left, and defensive coordinator Mike Nolan during practice Thursday January 17, 2013. The Falcons practiced indoors Thursday at their Flowery Branch headquarter in preparation for the NFC Championship game. BRANT SANDERLIN / BSANDERLIN@AJC.COM

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With Tony Gonzalez returning for his 17th NFL season, he will have the opportunity to add to a legacy of stats that already defines him as one of the best tight ends in NFL history.
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Sam Baker was first-round draft pick in 2008, since that time the left tackle has undergone three back surgeries. This season, the Falcons allowed 28 sacks on 615 pass attempts.

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

UPDATED ON FEB. 5, 7 P.M.:

 We have some updated contract information on tight end Chase Coffman, wide receivers Drew Davis and Tim Toone and cornerbacks Dominique Franks and Robert McClain.

All are signed for 2013 and will not be free agents.

Coffman was signed to a two-year contract and Toone to a three-year contract on Nov. 13. Davis and Franks signed two year deals in September.

McClain signed a two-year deal in January is set to make $555,000 in 2013.

The Falcons will have 14 unrestricted free agents and two restricted free agents.

PREVIOUS POST

Falcons coach Mike Smith was on "The Coaches Show" on the NFL Network with Brian Billick and Steve Mariucci on Wednesday.

He talked about the Super Bowl coaches being happy about practicing and returning to their routine after media day, he broke down San Francisco's read-option and made it clear that the Falcons want tight end Tony Gonzalez to return. Smith said he hopes to have a decision in a couple of weeks.

Also, general manager Thomas Dimitroff will be making the rounds on radio row on Thursday and Jeff Schultz will be there on stalking duty. On Friday, owner Arthur Blank is set to visit and make some radio appearances. Schultz, again, will be on the case to gather some Stadium intel and maybe even get the price of forthcoming PSLs. 

Here are some video clips the fine folks over at the NFL Network sent along:

‘The Coaches Show’: Who has the edge? Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith joins Brian Billick and Steve Mariucci to discuss whether the Baltimore Ravens run game or the San Francisco 49ers defense has the edge in Super Bowl XLVII:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-the-coaches/0ap2000000133123/The-Coaches-Show-Who-has-the-edge

 ‘The Coaches Show’: Can read-option be defended? – How should Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh defend the dangerous read-option offense of the San Francisco 49ers? Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith shares his experience dealing with dangerous Colin Kaepernick:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-super-bowl/0ap2000000133104/The-Coaches-Show-Can-read-option-be-defended

If Gonzalez does return, the Falcons decision-making in free agency will become tougher. Here's a look at the 18 unrestricted free agents and the three restricted free agents:, who will receive tender offers soon. Teams can start talking to agents on March 9. Free agency starts on March 12:

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

Sam Baker, left tackle: He turned in his strongest season as he was injury free. Return: Very likely.

Mike Cox, fullback: He came on strong, but will have to compete with Bradie Ewing for the lead role. Return: Likely.

Tony Gonzalez, tight end: He is likely not set to return after leading the team with 93 catches. Return: Five-percent.  

Brent Grimes, cornerback: He’ll have to prove he’s recovered for his Achilles injury and Falcons must decide to match if he receives a lucrative free agency offer. Return: Not certain.

Chris Hope, safety: He was a valuable reserve and special teams. Return: Not likely.

Todd McClure, center: He turned in another solid season. Return: Not certain.

Luke McCown, quarterback: He knew the offense and Koetter from their time in Jacksonville. Return: Not certain.

William Moore, safety: He went to the Pro Bowl, but missed four games with a hamstring injury. Return: Very likely.

Christopher Owens, cornerback: Solid on special teams and tough in the slot. Return: Likely.

Mike Peterson, linebacker: He was a good insurance policy last season. Return: Not likely.

Garrett Reynolds, right guard: Was the starter before suffering a season-ending back injury. Return: Likely.

Lawrence Sidbury, defensive end: Has played sparingly despite showing some pass-rush ability. Return: Not certain.

Will Svitek, offensive tackle: The team drafted at his position last season. Return: Not likely.

Vance Walker, defensive tackle: He has been a stable and productive member of the defensive tackle rotation. Return: Likely.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS:

Michael Palmer, tight end:  Solid blocker and deceptive route-runner. Return: Very likely

Antone Smith, running back: Contributed on special teams. Return: Likely.

Who's staying? Who's going?

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About D. Orlando Ledbetter

D. Orlando Ledbetter is currently the Atlanta Falcons Beat Writer for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

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