Editor's note: Prior to the start of the new league year on March 10, 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 meet with agents for linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, special teamer Eric Weems and nose tackle Corey Peters.
FLOWERY BRANCH – Gabe Carimi, a former first-round pick by the Chicago Bears, was a valuable reserve last season.
After washing out with the Bears and the Buccaneers, Carimi reunited with offensive line coach Mike Tice, who was his offensive coordinator in Chicago, and played in all 16 games and made seven starts.
He played left tackle, right tackle, right guard and some jumbo tight end. Team is expected to try to upgrade along the offensive line as they shift to an outside-zone blocking scheme and hope to improve their pass protection.
Gabe Carimi, fourth-year veteran
The skinny: Likely unrestricted free agent
The snaps: He played 597 snaps (215 as a run blocker and 382 as a pass blocker, according to Pro Football Focus).
The stats: Only left tackle Jake Matthews and center James Stones were rated lower than Carimi by Pro Football Focus. He had seven penalties and gave up five sacks, seven hits and 19 quarterback hurries.
2014 salary: $645,000 base salary, plus $65,000 signing bonus and 122,400 roster bonus.
FALCONS POTENTIAL UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
G-T Gabe Carimi
S Charles Godfrey
G Mike Johnson
S Dwight Lowery
DE Cliff Matthews
CB Robert McClain
TE Bear Pascoe
DT Corey Peters
RB Jacquizz Rodgers
OT Jonathan Scott
RB Antone Smith
DE Osi Umenyiora
LB Sean Weatherspoon
WR Eric Weems
CB Josh Wilson
QB T.J. Yates
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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