Editor's note: Prior to the start of the new league year at 4 p.m. Tuesday, AJC.Com is counting down the top unrestricted free agents the Atlanta Falcons must decide on this offseason. At the combine general manager Thomas Dimitroff stated that team met with agents for linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, special teamer Eric Weems and nose tackle Corey Peters. After the Black College Hall of Fame, Dimitroff expressed optimism about getting a deal done, but negotiations hit a snag and Weatherspoon appears set to sign with the Arizona Cardinals on Tuesday.
FLOWERY BRANCH – Running back Antone Smith, who flashed big-play ability in limited duty over the past two seasons, is coming back from a serious knee injury.
He appears set to enter free agency on Tuesday and the New York Giants have inquired about his service, according to Jordan Raanan of the Newark Star-Ledger.
Smith had three catches for 83 yards, including a 74-yard touchdown in a 30-20 loss to the Giants last season on Oct. 5, 2014.
After the game, owner Arthur Blank approved of a question asking then coach Mike Smith why Antone Smith didn’t get more snaps.
Smith was placed on injured reserve with a fractured leg that he suffered while covering a punt during the 19-17 victory at the Panthers on Nov. 16, 2014
Smith has been a standout on special teams for the Falcons since 2002. Last season he emerged as a big-play threat while scoring five touchdowns on just 36 touches with each score going for at least 38 yards.
The Falcons used a committee approach at running back last season but Steven Jackson has been released and Jacquizz Rodgers appears headed to free agency. Rookie Devonta Freeman is the lone holdover.
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Antone Smith, five-year veteran
The skinny: He's recovering from a fractured leg. But his big-play ability is coveted.
The snaps: He played on 96 snaps from scrimmage and had an impact. He also had three tackles on special teams.
The stats: He had 23 carries for 144 yards (6.3 yards per carry) and two touchdowns. He caught 13 of 15 targets for 222 yards and three touchdowns.
2014 salary: $730,000
FALCONS POTENTIAL UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
K Matt Bryant - signed a three-year contract extension.
G-T Gabe Carimi -- will not be re-signed.
S Charles Godfrey -- has re-signed with the team.
DE Cliff Matthews re-signed a two-year contract on Tuesday, Feb. 24.
CB Robert McClain -- has drawn interests from four teams including the Dolphins and Saints.
TE Bear Pascoe is not returning to the team.
DT Corey Peters is 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 Antone Smith
LB Sean Weatherspoon Team is working hard on this deal, but Arizona may be waiting in the wings to make a big push for him.
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
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