The Falcons have parted ways with running back Jerious Norwood, according to his agent, Bus Cook.
“We just talked [to the Falcons] a little bit, and he’s got to move on,” said Cook via phone Thursday. “Hopefully he can stay healthy.”
Cook said teams were working mostly on rookie deals Wednesday and that he’s fielded a few calls about Norwood, who hopes to sign with another team.
“If he can stay healthy, he is a great player,” Cook said. “I hope it works out for him because he’s an even greater person.”
Norwood was drafted in the third round (79th overall) of the 2006 draft. Norwood flashed his speed and appeared set to have a long career as a third-down back and kickoff-return specialist.
Over his five seasons with the Falcons, defenses had to respect his speed, but after a durable collegiate career at Mississippi State, he had trouble staying on the field because of an assortment of injuries. Out of a possible 80 regular-season games, he played in 57.
Norwood’s major contribution came as a kickoff returner. He has a total of 2,987 kickoff return yards, which ranks third in team history. His 25.5-yard career kickoff return average ranks second in team history.
The Falcons drafted running back Jacquizz Rodgers in the fifth round of the 2011 draft. They also have a decision to make on Jason Snelling, who’s talking to the St. Louis Rams and “a handful of other teams,” according to his agent, Scott Smith.
The Rams would like Snelling to back up perennial 1,000-yard rusher Steven Jackson.
“We love him,” Rams general manager Billy Devaney said through a team representative.
The Falcons have nine running backs on their roster: Lucas Cox (Georgia Tech), Gartrell Johnson, Thor Merrow (Buford High), Ovie Mughelli, Antone Smith, Philip Sylvester, Michael Turner, Rodgers and Snelling.
Four draft picks signed
The Falcons signed four of their six draft picks and an undrafted free agent Wednesday.
Linebacker Akeem Dent, punter Matt Bosher, offensive lineman Andrew Jackson and defensive end Cliff Matthews were all signed to four-year contracts. The team also signed kicker Jacob Harfman to a three-year contract.
Dent (6-foot-1, 242 pounds) played at Georgia and Douglass High. He will learn all three linebacker spots and play on special teams.
Bosher (6-0, 208) was a sixth-round pick (192 overall) from Miami. He handled both punting and placekicking duties in college.
Jackson (6-5, 299) was taken in the seventh round (210 overall) from Fresno State. He was a highly coveted prospect after his junior season, but he dropped in the draft after an injury-plagued senior season.
Matthews (6-4, 268) was picked in the seventh round (230th overall) from South Carolina. He recorded 144 total tackles, including 16 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss in four seasons with the Gamecocks.
Harfman (5-10, 195) played for USC the past two seasons. He punted 92 times for 3,719 yards and a 40.4-yard average with the Trojans.
With the Falcons stocking up on punters, they appear set on replacing Michael Koenen, who is a free agent.
Jacksonville practice set
For the second year in a row, the Falcons will hold combine practices with the Jacksonville Jaguars during training camp.
The Falcons will practice with the Jaguars on Aug. 17 in Jacksonville before the teams play at EverBank Field on Aug. 19.
