The Falcons are set to release Pro Bowl safety Thomas DeCoud, a source tells Adam Schefter of ESPN (on Twitter). Atlanta has faced a bit of a numbers crunch this offseason and DeCoud is a notable victim.
The move has long been expected. A portion of DeCoud’s salary was set to become guaranteed if he remained on the team’s roster beyond March 14th. The 28-year-old earned a spot in the Pro Bowl a year ago due in large part to his six interceptions during the 2012 season. However, he didn’t grade well according to Pro Football Focus’ metrics that season, and was even worse in 2013, ranking 83rd out of 86 qualified safeties (subscription required).
The longtime Falcons starter had three years remaining on his contract, but the club has instead $3MM in 2014 cap savings by releasing him. DeCoud will join a group of free agent safeties that currently includes T.J. Ward, Jairus Byrd, Donte Whitner, Chris Clemons, and James Ihedigbo, among others.