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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 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 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.
FLOWERY BRANCH – Falcons cornerback Robert McClain has fought off battles to take his nickel back spot in each of the past two seasons.
McClain beat back challenges from Josh Wilson and Javier Arenas to win the nickel back position last season. He ended the season as a starter after Robert Alford went down with a broken wrist.
He played in all 16 games and made six starts, but with the team shifting to bigger cornerbacks, McClain appears set to test the free agency waters.
Robert McClain, four-year veteran
The skinny: Unrestricted free agent.
The snaps: He played 642 snaps last season and was the 57th rated cornerback in the league who played at least 50 percent of his team's snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.
The stats: Receivers caught 67.1 percent of the passes with McClain in coverage. Quarterbacks has passer rating of 88.5 when throwing at McClain.
2014 salary: $1.4 million base salary.
FALCONS POTENTIAL UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
K Matt Bryant - signed a three-year contract extension.
DE Cliff Matthews re-signed a two-year contract on Tuesday, Feb. 24.
CB Robert McClain
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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