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
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. The Team is working hard on a deal with Weatherspoon, while Peters is headed to free agency. Here's a look at some of the players the Falcons are tracking.
FLOWERY BRANCH – Falcons tight end Bear Pascoe was signed to be a blocking tight end last season, will not return to the Atlanta Falcons.
He’ll become an unrestricted free agent on March 10 and explore other opportunities in the NFL.
“We had a great conversation with the Falcons and it looks like at this point Bear is going to explore some other options for next year and the Falcons are going to do the same,” said Noel LaMontagne, Pascoe’s agent on Wednesday. “The front office and Bear both were really appreciative of everything over the last year, but with coaching changes, there will always be other changes, so Bear is going to see what else is out there for the future.”
He played in all 16 games for the Falcons and made two starts. He caught two passes for 3 yards and a touchdown.
Pascoe, a six-year veteran, has played in 82 games and made 34 starters over his career. He earned a Super Bowl ring with the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXLVI in 2011.
Bear Pascoe, six-year veteran
The skinny: Unrestricted free agent.
The snaps: He played 148 snaps last season.
The stats: He caught two passes for 3 yards and a touchdown.
2014 salary: $760,000 base salary
FALCONS POTENTIAL UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
K Matt Bryant - signed a three-year contract extension.
S Charles Godfrey -- Has re-signed with the team.
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
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