With the most recent round of cuts, the Falcons have cleared significant salary-cap space and are in a nice position to go shopping for free agents at the start of the NFL’s new business year, which begins at 4 p.m. Tuesday.
The Falcon can start talking to agents Saturday and begin sketching out the framework for some deals.
The Falcons are $33.5 million under the cap, but with several needs. They are not in a position to go for a splash signing. The team is looking to get help in the pass-rushing department, at free safety and at tight end.
So, forget about the team pursuing former Lions standout Ndamukong Suh, who’ll command a $100 million deal. Instead of shopping at Nordstrom’s the Falcons, who still must re-sign wide receiver Julio Jones, will shop at Nordstrom’s Rack, looking for value deals in free agency.
“This organization will take on the personality of Dan Quinn, and we’re all very excited about that,” Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said.
Here’s a look some or the players the Falcons are interested in adding:
Ron Parker, FS, Chiefs: The versatile 6-foot, 208-pound defensive back is a scheme fit. He started 15 games for the Chiefs last season and is a physical hitter. Parker, 27, was not drafted and spent parts of two seasons in Seattle. He also spent time with the Oakland and Carolina before playing in 16 games and making one start with the Chiefs in 2013. Last season, he led the Chiefs with 84 tackles and was second on the team with 12 pass breakups. He made $645,000 during his breakout season as the Beaufort, S.C., native started four games at cornerback and 11 games at safety. He was the 29th-ranked safety by Pro Football Focus last season. Twitter handle: @Ghost_0836
Derrick Morgan, DE, Titans: Former NFL executive Bill Polian gives Morgan a "C" grade in this free-agent class. The former Georgia Tech standout was drafted 16th overall in 2011 by the Titans. Morgan, 26, has amassed 23 sacks over five seasons. He's had at least six sacks in each of the pass three seasons. At 6-3, 296 pounds, he has the size that Quinn likes. Twitter: @DMorg91
Jason Worilds, OLB, Steelers: He was a second-round pick by the Steelers out of Virginia Tech in 2010. He has started 37 of 72 games with the Steelers and has 25.5 quarterback sacks. He had 7.5 sacks last season and a career-high eight sacks in 2013. Worilds beat former Falcons tight end Bear Pascoe and put a big thumping on Matt Ryan last season, but was called for roughing the passer. The Falcon have not had a player who can put such an intimidating hit on a quarterback since John Abraham was released. Twitter: @WorildsGreatest
Arthur Moats, OLB, Steelers: He was drafted by Buffalo is the sixth round in 2010 out of James Madison. He played one season with the Steelers. He played in 16 games, made nine starts and had four sacks. He's 6-0, 248 pounds. He started 12 games for Buffalo in 2013, but was not re-signed. He signed a one-year contract with the Steelers for $795,000 last season. Twitter: @dabody52
Lance Kendricks, TE, Rams: He was selected in the second round (47th overall) by the Rams. He has caught 129 passes for 1,388 and 13 touchdowns. He's started 51 of 62 games, but his role started to decrease after the Rams acquired Jared Cook. He could help the Falcons in the red zone and is a solid blocker. His hands have failed him at times. Last season he let a Shaun Hill pass slip through his hands for a crushing interception that was returned for a touchdown against Seattle.
Niles Paul, TE, Redskins: He was drafted by Washington in the fifth round in 2011. He's 6-1, 241 pounds and has caught 53 passes for 735 yards and two touchdowns. He played under new Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan with Washington. He has played in 60 games and made 17 starts. Last season he caught a career-high 39 passes on 52 targets for 507 yards and one touchdown. Twitter: @Niles_Paul84
Other free agents to watch: Brian Orakpo, OLB, Washington (price has to drop); Pernell McPhee, DE, Baltimore (price has to drop); Brandon Graham, DE, Philadelphia (could become an option if the Falcons miss on Morgan); and Malcolm Smith, LB, Seattle.
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