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 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 – T.J. Yates was added last season via a trade with the Houston Texans to give the Falcons a veteran backup to quarterback Matt Ryan.
He played under former Houston coach Gary Kubiak, who gave new Falcons coordinator Mike Shanahan his start in the league. There should be some system carryover for Yates.
Mike Johnson has had a rough past two years.
The former third-round pick out of Alabama in 2010 was running with the first-team at right tackle when suffered a broken fibula and dislocated left ankle during 9-on-7 drills against the Cincinnati Bengals in training camp.
Johnson suffered what the team said was a foot injury during the first possession of the exhibition game against the Titans at the Georgia Dome last August. He was injured while blocking as the tight end in the “jumbo” short-yardage formation.
T.J. Yates, fourth-year veteran
The skinny: Likely to return.
The snaps: He played 4 snaps last season.
The stats: He completed 3 of 4 passes for 64 yards.
2014 salary: $645,000 base salary.
Michael Johnson, four-year veteran
The skinny: Likely to attempt one more comeback.
The snaps: He did not play any snaps from scrimmage.
The stats: He didn't record any stats.
2014 salary: $645,000 base salary plus a $30,000 signing bonus.
FALCONS POTENTIAL UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
K Matt Bryant --has re-signed with the team.
G Mike Johnson
S Dwight Lowery
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
RB Jacquizz Rodgers
OT Jonathan Scott
RB Antone Smith
DE Osi Umenyiora
LB Sean Weatherspoon
WR Eric Weems
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
