Rudy's Blog Player
The AJC’s D. Orlando Ledbetter sits down with CineSport’s Noah Coslov to react to the Falcons releasing Justin Blalock, Harry Douglas & Steven Jackson & to identify their targets in free agency.
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
FLOWERY BRANCH -- ESPN Insider NFL analyst Bill Polian, who served for 24 season as general manager of the Bills, Panthers and Colts, has his annual list of the best available prospective free agents.
The Falcons don’t have any players graded above a "C."
Cornerback Javier Arenas, defensive end Kroy Biermann, safety Charles Godfrey, safety Dwight Lowery and linebacker Sean Weatherspoon all received a C.
"Players graded in the C range are defined as those whose durability, talent and production allow them to contribute to winning as a role player or a backup. Players who are graded below the C line do not appear on this list and are defined as those who fill specific backup roles on a roster and are not considered long-term players."
Corey Peters, who played 525 snaps for the Falcons last season and is set to hit free agency, did not receive a grade.
Polian must think he is not a long-term player or there was an oversight.
He also had defensive end Osi Umeniyoria in a special veterans category.
"These guys aren't going to get big deals based on their age, but deserve special mention as players who were exceptionally productive during their careers. Some could potentially pay off in one-year deals with the right team."
The rest of the Falcons potential unrestricted free agents were not deemed worthy enough to have a grade. In addition to Peters, that group includes: G-T Gabe Carimi, G Mike Johnson, CB Robert McClain, TE Bear Pascoe, RB Jacquizz Rodgers, OT Jonathan Scott, RB Antone Smith, WR Eric Weems, CB Josh Wilson and QB T.J. Yates
FALCONS POTENTIAL UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
K Matt Bryant - signed a three-year contract extension.
DE Cliff Matthews re-signed a two-year contract on Tuesday, Feb. 24.
TE Bear Pascoe is not returning to the team.
DT Corey Peters is likely headed for free agency. Team has a lot of cash tied up in Tyson Jackson and Paul Soliai. Also, snaps would free up for development of Rashede Hageman.
RB Jacquizz Rodgers
OT Jonathan Scott
RB Antone Smith
DE Osi Umenyiora
LB Sean Weatherspoon is likely the next player to sign a contract extension. Teams is working hard on this deal.
WR Eric Weems
FALCONS STORIES
Falcons to focus on adding another cornerstone
Quinn-Dimitroff partnership off to a strong start
Q&A with Falcons head coach Dan Quinn at the combine
Falcons coach Dan Quinn fired up to watch pass-rushers
Q&A with Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff on moving forward
Falcons to keep character filter on draft picks
Falcons close to re-signing kicker Matt Bryant
Falcons LT Jake Matthews recovering from offseason surgery
Falcons plan to extend WR Julio Jones contract
Falcons could target Denver TE Julius Thomas in free agency
Falcons' roster gutting could have big names (i.e. Steven Jackson)
Cutting the Falcons roster -- Should they stay or should they go?
COMBINE STORIES
Todd Gurley speaks about autograph-signing caper
Bucs appear set to cast future with Jameis Winston
Todd Gurley intriguing prospect to NFL teams
Chris Conley puts on a dazzling show at the combine
Waller, Smelter out to prove NFL standing at the combine
VIDEO DEPARTMENT
Watch: D. Led -- Falcons news at the combine
Watch: NFL Network's Mike Mayock at the combine
Watch: Todd Gurley has interviews set up with 24 NFL teams
Watch: Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff at the combine
Watch: Falcons coach Dan Quinn at the combine
Watch: Rams GM Les Snead on the pass-rush talent at the combine
FALCONS COMBINE MEETINGS
Oregon DE Arik Armstead talked scheme with the Falcons
Falcons met with Alabama quarterback Blake Sims
Falcons to meet with Florida DE Dante Fowler Jr.
Falcons met with Wake Forest CB Kevin Johnson
Falcons met with Alabama safety Landon Collins
PHOTO GALLERIES
Photographs from the 2015 NFL scouting combine
