FLOWERY BRANCH — After testing the free agency market, running back Jason Snelling signed a one-year contract with the Falcons on Sunday.
Snelling confirmed that he had talks with the Rams, Giants and Chiefs.
“Just normal free agency stuff,” Snelling said.
The Rams elected to sign former Falcons running back Jerious Norwood and former Tampa Bay running back Cadillac Williams. The Giants re-signed running back Ahmad Bradshaw. The Chiefs signed fullback Le'Ron McClain.
“It was a little bit of a slow market for running backs as well as for other positions,” Snelling said. “Those things happen. I’m where I want to be. I’m ready to play football.”
Snelling signed in time to participate in the evening walk-through practice. He ran well on his carries.
“I definitely wanted to get back on the field as soon as I could,” Snelling said.
Since being drafted in the seventh-round of the 2007 draft, Snelling, 27, has played in 51 games and rushed for 1,042 yards on 257 carries and scored seven touchdowns. He has caught 82 passes for 651 yards and four touchdowns.
Snelling was third on the team with 44 receptions last season. But the Falcons drafted running back Jacquizz Rodgers and are giving him a shot to take over Snelling's third-down specialist role.
"I like what our rookie is doing, Jacquizz, in terms of his role as a change-of-pace back," Falcons coach Mike Smith said.
Also, Snelling is behind, and running backs Gartrell Johnson and Antone Smithhave been doing well in camp. Smith also noted that undrafted rookie free-agent running back Philip Sylvester has flashed his speed.
“It’s going to be a competitive camp for the running back spots,” Smith said. “We’ve got some guys that are very talented.”
Snelling said he’s ready to compete for his job.
“You can never take any plays off and think that you’ve got a job,” Snelling said. “Everyone out here is hungry.”
Biermann to have key role
While the Falcons went out and acquired defensive end Ray Edwards in free agency, they still have a role for Kroy Biermann, who was last season's starter at left defensive end.
In addition to playing on special teams, Biermann can land a spot as a situational pass rusher on third down and sometimes first down, according to defensive line coach Ray Hamilton.
“He’s a big part of our plans,” Hamilton said. “With another defensive end, maybe we can give him some more rest and keep all of those guys fresh. He does [special] teams quite a bit.”
Biermann had five sacks while playing a similar role in 2009 when he made two starts and played in 16 games. Last season, he had only three sacks while starting 14 of 16 games.
Hamilton still views Biermann as a defensive end who should garner 5 to 10 sacks.
“I see constant improvement from Biermann,” Hamilton said.
Injury report
Falcons offensive guard Mike Johnson, who's in a competition with Garrett Reynolds to replace Harvey Dahl, suffered a concussion and missed practice on Sunday.
Also, tight end Marquez Branson suffered a left knee injury and did not practice.
Jerry coming along
Defensive tackle Peria Jerry is off to a strong start in training camp.
“This is his second year coming away from his injury,” Hamilton said. “He should be stronger and better, especially with his lower body this year.”
Peters’ footwork
Defensive tackle Corey Peters has been working on his footwork in order to become a more effective pass rusher.
“We want to still keep him as a big, strong run-stopper in the middle,” Hamilton said. “But he can be a better pass rusher by moving his feet a little bit more.”
Tripp update
Former Georgia and Westlake High standout Kiante Tripp, an undrafted rookie free agent defensive tackle, is off to a good start.
He’s had to make a major adjustment from Georgia’s read-and-react 3-4 to the Falcons’ attacking 4-3 defensive scheme.
“Whenever you come out of that system, you’re kind of reluctant,” Hamilton said. “You can see him improving a little bit each day. He’s still inconsistent, but he’s getting off the ball more.”
Tripp is listed at 6-foot-6 and 276 pounds. He appears much bigger than 276.
“If he can get it going up the field, with his big body, he’s hard to stop,” Hamilton said.
Extra practice time
The Falcons went a little longer in the padded practice in the morning to make up for the time they missed when the Friday Night Lights' modified scrimmage was cut short because of lightning.
They will make up the rest of the time during Monday’s morning practice.
Seventh round magic
Both of the seventh round picks, defensive end Cliff Matthews and offensive lineman Andrew Jackson, are doing well in camp.
“They have been a very pleasant surprise,” Smith said. “Both of those guys. Physically, they might be two of the best looking guys in the draft class.”
Jackson is working at guard and tackle.
“He doesn’t look out of place at the tackle position, even though he never played it,” Smith said.
Matthews is working at left end and on special teams.
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