FLOWERY BRANCH – Under the restructured front office, assistant general manager Scott Pioli is in charge of free agency.
This year's free agency period starts on March 7. That's when teams are allowed to talk to certified player representatives. Deals can't be signed until 4 p.m. on March 10, the start of the new league year.
The first order of business for new coach Dan Quinn was to evaluate the roster with an eye toward free agency and then the draft.
We have a Sunday story looking at "What's next for the Falcons?" We'll link to it when it's posted.
Also, we take a look at the track record of the search firm that was used to help the Falcons in the search. Korn Ferry and lead executive Jed Hughes have a mixed track record. (Can you say Brady Hoke to Michigan?)
While we're waiting for that, let's help Quinn and Pioli cut through the roster. Let’s give those guys some help by telling them which free agents to keep and which to thank for their services.
DB Javier Arenas: Thank him for his services.
LB Kroy Biermann: Thank him for his services, unless you want him back as a special-teamer only.
K Matt Bryant: Sign the old guy!
G-T Gabe Carimi: Keep him at the right price.
S Charles Godfrey: Thank him for his services. Good pro, who had a strong career.
G Mike Johnson: Keep him. Find out if he can stay healthy and if he fits the new blocking scheme.
S Dwight Lowery: Keep him. He was solid last season.
DE Cliff Matthews: Keep him. See if he can crack the new rotation. He has the size that Quinn likes.
CB Robert McClain: Keep him. But let him know you are trying to upgrade the nickel back spot.
TE Bear Pascoe: Thank him for his services.
DT Corey Peters: Keep him. He could thrive under Quinn.
RB Jacquizz Rodgers: Thank him for his services. He's been so dependable, but it's time upgrade the position.
OT Jonathan Scott: Keep him if he fits new blocking system.
RB Antone Smith: Keep him. Great special teamer and explosive play-maker.
DE Osi Umenyiora: Keep him, if Quinn determines he has anything left in the tank. He didn't take to the designated pass-rusher role last season. He could thrive again under Quinn, but is a little light under the matrix that the new head coach likes.
LB Sean Weatherspoon: Keep him. The medicals have to look right, but he could potentially lead the revival of the defense.
WR Eric Weems: Keep him. Toughest guy, pound-for-pound on the roster.
CB Josh Wilson: Thank him for his services.
QB T.J. Yates: Keep him. He ran Kyle Shanahan's offense when he was with the Texans although they weren't there at the same time.
Rudy's Blog Player
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