UPDATED, March 15: We've added the signings of fullback Keith Smith on Saturday and defensive end Steven Means on March 9. Added the signing of defensive tackle Tyeler Davison.
With the NFL scouting combine over, the Falcons' plodding offseason will now move to free agency.
At the Senior Bowl, Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff projected that things would pick up after the Super Bowl.
After the Super Bowl, things have not picked up in part because the team had anticipated that there would be a new collective bargaining agreement. But some of the NFLPA representatives were not real happy about playing 17 games and the rank-and-file may turn down the proposed agreement.
The Falcons have until 4 p.m. March 10 to designate franchise or transition players. That's not likely since the Falcons already said that tight end Austin Hooper, linebacker De'Vondre Campbell and guard Wes Schweitzer are headed to free agency.
The legal tampering period starts on March 16. Teams are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents when their 2019 contracts expire at 4 p.m. March 18, the start of the new league year, when teams must be under the 2020 salary cap.
While the offseason is plodding long, the Falcons have made some decisions.
Here’s a look at where things stand with the potential unrestricted and restricted free agents:
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
OFFENSE
Kenjon Barner, running back
Matt Schaub, quarterback – Club to pick up his option
Justin Hardy, wide receiver
Austin Hooper, tight end – Will be allowed to hit the market
Matt Simms, quarterback
Keith Smith, fullback – Was re-signed to a three-year deal on Saturday, March 14.
Wes Schweitzer, offensive guard/center – Will be allowed to hit the market
DEFENSE
Vic Beasley, defensive end/linebacker – Will not be re-signed
De'Vondre Campbell, linebacker – Will be allowed to hit the market
Adrian Clayborn, defensive end
Jack Crawford, defensive tackle
Johnathan Cyprien, safety
Tyeler Davison, defensive tackle -- Agreed to three-year deal on March 15.
Ra'Shede Hageman, defensive tackle – Waived by the team on Jan. 13
Kemal Ishmael, safety/linebacker – Will not be re-signed by Falcons
Steven Means, defensive end -- Re-signed to a one-year contract on March 9.
Sharrod Neasman, safety
Jamar Taylor, cornerback
John Wetzel, offensive lineman – Vested veteran contract terminated and then re-signed.
J.J. Wilcox, safety
Blidi Wreh-Wilson, cornerback
SPECIAL TEAMS
Matt Bosher, punter
Ryan Allen, punter – Signed to a one-year contract extension for $945,000 on Feb. 18
Sam Irwin-Hill, punter – Signed to a one-year contract worth $510,000
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
OFFENSE
Brian Hill, running back
DEFENSE
Michael Bennett, defensive tackle
SPECIAL TEAMS
Younghoe Koo, placekicker – Signed a one-year contract extension for $660,000 on Feb. 18.
About the Author
