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. Weems was re-signed on Friday.
FLOWERY BRANCH – The Falcons have been down this road before and things didn't turn out so well.
After cornerback Brent Grimes suffered a torn Achilles while playing on the franchise tag at the start of the 2012 season, the Falcons under-valued his services and he signed with the Miami Dolphins in free agency in 2013.
It made sense not to overpay a player recovering from an injury, but an incentive-laden deal could have offered. With the Dolphins, Grimes has made two Pro Bowls.
The Falcons want to re-sign linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, but apparently the talks have hit a snag. He is reportedly leaning toward signing with Arizona and the Saints are also in the mix.
“Sean Weatherspoon is going to be an important part of building this defense and building this team,” Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said recently. “He has that side of him and that leadership that we need across the board.”
Weatherspoon was not happy last season as the defense descended to the bottom of the league. He took umbrage with the weekly updates on where the defense was ranked.
He’s been working diligently and has started to run seven months into which could be an 8-to-10 month rehab.
Weatherspoon, the team’s first-round pick in the 2010 draft (19th overall), was headed into a contract season before rupturing his Achilles tendon while running with the training staff in June.
Weatherspoon, 26, was coming off a tough campaign in 2013. The 6-foot, 1-inch and 241-pound linebacker, spent part of the season on injured reserve/designated to return with a foot injury before making it back, only to exit again with a knee injury.
Weatherspoon made some tweets after the recent round of cuts that signified that he may not be happy with how the team conducts its business. He talked about "broken promises" and player who could play being released.
As the line was ravaged last season, the Falcons signed Jonathan Scott, who had played with offensive line coach Mike Tice in Chicago.
Scott, 32, is not an offseason priority for the Falcons as he’ll likely have to continue his career elsewhere
Sean Weatherspoon four-year veteran
The skinny: The team wants him back, but he could become an unrestricted free agent.
The snaps: He did not play last season due to an ruptured Achilles. He's only played seven games over the past two seasons.
The stats: Weems He did not have any stats last season.
2014 salary: $2.8 million
Jonathan Scott, eight-year veteran
The skinny: Headed for unrestricted free agency status.
The snaps: He played three snaps on offense.
The stats: He was basically signed as veteran insurance for the injury ravaged offensive line.
2014 salary: $885,000
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.
OT Jonathan Scott
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
