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 will have to decide on this offseason. At the combine, general manager Thomas Dimitroff stated that team was close to signing kicker Matt Bryant and that talks have started with linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, special teamer Eric Weems and nose tackle Corey Peters.
FLOWERY BRANCH – Defensive end/outside linebacker Kroy Biermann was a part of general manager Thomas Dimitroff's first draft class back in 2008.
The former fifth-rounder from Montana has played in 98 games, made 37 starts and registered 21 sacks.
In our stay or go package, he’ didn’t make the cut.
The 42nd-ranked defensive end (Pro Football Focus) the league is replaceable. He just is too light to fit the new 4-3 scheme, but could help on special teams and in a backup role. Potential unrestricted free agent.
The fans also voted him off the island in the interactive poll. A total of 81 percent of the fans voted to sack 'im.
Kroy Biermann, seven-year defensive end
The skinny: Unrestricted free agent.
The snaps: Played 867 snaps in 16 games last season. He dropped in coverage 94 times. He had negative grades overall, in pass rush and pass coverage by Pro Football Focus. He had a positive run defense grade and was the 42nd rated defensive end in the league.
The stats: He had 43 tackles and 4.5 sacks.
2014 salary: $3,050,000, plus a $1,033,334 pro-rated signing bonus
FALCONS POTENTIAL UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
LB Kroy Biermann
K Matt Bryant
G-T Gabe Carimi
S Charles Godfrey
G Mike Johnson
S Dwight Lowery
DE Cliff Matthews -- Signed a multi-year contract extension on Feb. 24.
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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