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 -- Defensive end Jonathan Massaquoi, a once-promising prospect who was released by the Falcons on Friday was claimed on waivers by the Tennessee Titans on Tuesday.
Massaquoi, who played at Troy and Central Gwinnett High School, was a selected by the Falcons in the fifth round (164th overall) of the 2012 NFL draft.
He played in 39 games with seven starts and had 60 tackles (42 solo), six sacks, and two passes defensed. He’s under contract for one more season at $660,000 in salary, per NFLPA records.
Massaquoi showed the most promise of the slew of defensive ends the team has drafted in recent years, but apparently fell out of favor with the coaching staff.
“Jonathan had been here since 2012 and again, he contributed,” Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said. “He had a year before where he produced 4 1/2 sacks. We just felt it was time to part ways and allow him to venture out and find something that may be appropriate for him.”
Massaquoi could earn significant playing time. The Titans are not deep at outside linebacker, and starter Derrick Morgan is slated to test unrestricted free agency. The Falcons No. 1 priority is to add a pass rusher and they are interested in Morgan, the former Georgia Tech standout.
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
