FLOWERY BRANCH -- With the season-ending Achilles tendon injury to linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, the Falcons are checking out the veteran free agent market in what one agent called a "four or five player Gong Show."
Click here to read about the Falcons internal options.
Former New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma, Tim Dobbins and Pat Angerer are being considered, according to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport , who cited sources close to the Falcons. Also, the Falcons had previously worked out linebacker Dan Connor.
Vilma, 32, is 6-1, 230 pounds, is a 10-year veteran. He’s a former three-time Pro Bowler, but he has health concerns. He played just one game last season because of a knee injury.
He was a first-round pick by the New York Jets in 2004. He’s started 121 games over his NFL career, which was marred by his role in the Saints’ Bounty Gate scandal.
Dobbins, 31, a former fifth-round pick in 2005 by San Diego, has played for the Chargers, Miami and Houston. He played inside linebacker for Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, while in Miami in 2010.
Angerer, 27, is a former second-round pick by the Colts in 2010. He’s played in 54 games and made 39 starts.
Connor, 28, is a former third-round pick by the Panthers in 2008. He's also had stints with Dallas and the New York Giants. He started 28 games and played in 62.
PHASE THREE OF OFFSEASON PROGRAM
–Today, June 12 – OTA No. 9.
–Friday, June 13 – OTA No. 10.
–Monday, June 16 – Physicals.
–Tuesday, June 17 — Day One: Mandatory minicamp (3 practices, 2 walk-throughs over three days) (Walk-through and Practice)
–Wednesday, June 18 – Day Two: Mandatory minicamp. (Walk-through and Practice)
–Thursday, June 19 – Day Three: Mandatory minicamp. (Offseason program ends for veterans).
--June 22 through 28 – Rookie Symposiumin, Aurora, Ohio.
TBA – (Late July) – Report to Training camp.
PRACTICES WITH TEXANS -- Wednesday, August 13 and Thursday, August 14.
Sean Weatherspoon suffers season-ending Achilles injury
What's next for Sean Weaatherspoon?
What's next for the Falcons at linebacker?
Falcons minicamp is open to the public
VIDEO CORNER
Sean Weatherspoon to miss 2014 season
Matt Ryan on Harry Douglas' contribution to the offense
Falcons defensive line coach Bryan Cox
Falcons tight end Levine Toilolo
Falcons assistant head coach Terry Robiskie on Devin Hester
Falcons coach Mike Smith on OTAs
Jake Matthews brings strength of family to the Falcons
Ra'Shede Hageman could turn into defensive force for Falcons
Dezmen Southward ready to compete for playing time
Falcons signed 20 undrafted rookie free agents, 5 from SEC
Falcons invite 24 players in for tryouts
NFL Draft 2014: ESPN's Todd McShay on the Falcons' draft class
VIDEO: Reaction to the Atlanta Falcons' 2014 draft class
Round 3/68 – Dezmen Southward, FS, 6-0, 211, Wisconsin
About the Author
