Who should stay and who might go this spring?
With Sunday’s game over and the team eliminated from the playoffs, we have switched gears to offseason mode. The Atlanta Falcons have 30 impending free agents that they’ll have to decide whether to keep or let walk. This is the very early internal free agent guide that breaks the players into concise, unbiased, and unchallengeable groups.
The group names are self-explanatory, and as the offseason progresses, we’ll have a better idea of the team’s direction.
Priorities to Keep
- Drew Dalman
- Mike Hughes
- Liam McCullough
- KhaDarel Hodge
A long snapper, special teams ace, and outside corner second on the depth chart don’t scream “must keep,” but these players all played a critical role. Replacing them, on top of other holes, would be far more work than bringing them back.
Keep for Depth
- Justin Simmons
- Storm Norton
- Ryan Neuzil
Justin Simmons isn’t a superstar anymore, but that’s fine. He’s still a playable safety, and if he’s willing to come back on the vet minimum price, then Atlanta would be dense to let him walk. Norton and Neuzil are as good as it gets in terms of offensive line depth pieces, and both proved that this year.
Camp Bodies
- Demone Harris
- Kyle Hinton
- Micah Abernathy
- Kevin King
- Elijah Wilkinson
I’m not expecting much from this group, but they know the system and seem to have good relationships with the staff. Having guys who give good looks in practice and push the better talent to compete is always a need, and if they play their way onto the practice squad or better, then it’s gravy.
Would be fine if they stayed, but it’s OK if they walk
- Rondale Moore
- Ta’Quon Graham
- Matthew Judon
- James Smith-Williams
I’m not clamoring to keep any of these guys, but I wouldn’t be shocked to see them back. They all offer something but come with baggage.
Get the hell outta here
- Ross Dwelley
- Antonio Hamilton Sr
- Dee Alford
- Kentavius Street
- Richie Grant
- Lorenzo Carter
Enough said.
Gestures toward the door
- Avery Williams
- Riley Patterson
- Eddie Goldman
- Nate Landman
These players all hit a wall as professionals this season. They aren’t necessarily terrible players, but they can all easily be upgraded, even if money and picks are tight.
Didn’t know you were here; thanks for stopping by
- Josh Woods
- Harrison Hand
- Brandon Parker
No, seriously, who are you people?
Random man that lands on the practice squad
- Robert Burns
Sure, why not?
There you have it, the complete and 100% accurate, way too early internal free agent guide. The Falcons definitely won’t surprise anyone with the moves they’ll have to make on the horizon, and I’m sure fans will rejoice at all their decisions.
Pace yourselves, dirty bird nation; this offseason is going to be a long one.