ON THE FALCONS BEAT

Updated Falcons’ free agency tracker

August 26, 2017 Atlanta: PLAYER PROFILE - Atlanta Falcons nose tackle Dontari Poe (92) during play on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017 at the opening of the brand new Mercedes Benz Stadium and pre-season NFL game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Arizona Cardinals. JOHN SPINK/JSPINK@AJC.COM
August 26, 2017 Atlanta: PLAYER PROFILE - Atlanta Falcons nose tackle Dontari Poe (92) during play on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017 at the opening of the brand new Mercedes Benz Stadium and pre-season NFL game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Arizona Cardinals. JOHN SPINK/JSPINK@AJC.COM
March 12, 2018

The Falcons placed second-round $2.9 million tenders of free agent safety Ricardo Allen and guard Ben Garland on Monday.

The Falcons, who need a fullback and a backup tight end, will not be major players in  free agency, which is set to start at 4 p.m. Wednesday.

Here’s a look at the Falcons’ free agents:

— Matt Bryant re-signed a three-year, $10.5 million deal. The Falcons have options to pick up the contract in 2019 and 2020.

— Defensive end Adrian Clayborn led the team in sacks with 10.5 (including the playoffs). He played 576 snaps, the third-highest total along the defensive line.

— Fullback Derrick Coleman played 268 snaps on special teams and led the team in special teams tackles with 15.

— Wide receiver Taylor Gabriel didn’t provide the same explosive plays and will not be re-signed. Was a disappointment in second season with the team.

— Linebacker/safety Kemal Ishmael played 336 snaps on special teams and has value a reserve. Will test the market to see if someone thinks he’s more than a reserve.

— Cornerback Leon McFadden was a late-season add to provide depth. He was signed to a one-year extension on Tuesday.

— Offensive tackle Austin Pasztor was the backup swing tackle who was active for eight games. He was signed to a one-year extension on Tuesday.

— Defensive tackle Dontari Poe is headed for free agency where he’s expected to land a “lucrative deal,” according to general manager Thomas Dimitroff. He played 868 defensive snaps, the second highest on the team behind Jarrett’s 870. He also played eight snaps on offense.

— Returner Andre Roberts was plagued by poor blocking. He’s expecting to become a free agent.

— Defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin provided quality depth as a run-stuffer.

— Linebacker Jordan Tripp considered a solid special-teamer when healthy.

— Defensive tackle Courtney Upshaw plays the run well for a former linebacker. Has held up well in the trenches.

— Linebacker Sean Weatherspoon was insurance last season for the young and inexperienced unit. He wants to continue playing.

— Wide receiver Nick Williams will likely end up in San Francisco. Quinn mention Marvin Hall and Reggie Davis as potential replacement for the Gabriel and Williams.

— Cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson has re-signed with the team.

Restricted free agents:

— Free safety Ricardo Allen received a second-round tender that is worth $2.9 million.

— Offensive lineman Ben Garland  received a second-round tender that is worth $2.9 million. Team can keep him and continue to look to upgrade the guard position.

— Running back Terron Ward is a valuable reserve that the team has confidence in.

— Running back Terrence Magee provided additional insurance as the backs got injured over the course of the season. Zeke Sandhu, his agent, told the AJC he’s returning.

Exclusive-rights free agents:

— Safety Sharrod Neasman played 184 special teams snaps as a valuable reserve.

— Offensive lineman Jamil Douglas has potential at the interior positions.

About the Author

Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.

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