Atlanta Falcons Rumors & News - Pro Football Rumors

Falcons Release Paul Soliai

March 9th, 2016 at 3:51pm CST by Dallas Robinson

MARCH 9, 3:51pm: The Falcons made Soliai’s release official, according to the team’s website.

FEBRUARY 21, 6:02pm: Soliai’s agent, David Canter, confirmed the lineman’s impending release. “We couldn’t agree on terms,” Canter told D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

FEBRUARY 20, 8:06pm: Atlanta will indeed designate Soliai as a post-June 1 cut, according to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (Twitter link). As noted below, this means the Falcons will take on $1.4MM in dead money this year, and $2.8MM in 2017.

FEBRUARY 20, 7:35pm: The Falcons will release defensive tackle Paul Soliai on or after the start of the new league year on March 9, a source tells Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. A report yesterday indicated that Atlanta had approached Soliai’s representatives about accepting a pay cut, and also noted that the veteran lineman was unlikely to do so, preferring to take his chances on the open market.

By waiting until March 9, the Falcons will absorb Soliai’s dead money hit — a charge of $4.2MM — on their 2016 salary cap. If the club opts to designate Soliai as a post-June 1 cut, it will take on dead money totals of $1.4MM in 2016 and and $2.8MM in 2017. Depending on what approach Atlanta takes, the team’s remaining 2016 cap space will fall to somewhere between $23MM and $26MM.

Having just finished the second season of a five-year deal, the 32-year-old Soliai was poised to earn a base salary of $4.5MM, accompanied by a cap figure of $6.9MM. From the Falcons’ perspective, that cap charge was likely excessive, as Soliai’s snap count in Dan Quinn‘s defense had dropped to 357 in 2015 (down from 502 in Mike Smith‘s unit in 2014). Add in the fact that Soliai wasn’t overly effective, grading as just the No. 57 interior defender last season per Pro Football Focus, and it probably makes sense that Atlanta is cutting bait.

Soliai will join a class of free agent defensive tackles that includes Damon Harrison, Nick Fairley, Terrance Knighton, and Haloti Ngata, among others. Capable of playing in either a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme, Soliai shouldn’t have any trouble finding a roster spot for the upcoming season.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Falcons Sign Matt Schaub

March 9th, 2016 at 3:45pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Matt Schaub will return to the city where his career began, as the Falcons announced that they’ve signed the veteran quarterback to backup starter Matt Ryan.

A report late last month indicated that a Schaub return was a possibility, and now it’s been made a reality. Atlanta selected Schaub in the third round of the 2004 draft, but he started just two games over three seasons before being traded to the Texans in 2007. Schaub had a strong six-year run in Houston from 2007-2012, averaging nearly 3,500 yards and 19 touchdowns per season, while posting a record of 44-36.

But things fell apart in 2013 — Schaub threw 14 interceptions in only eight starts before getting benched. He was subsequently traded to Oakland, but lost out to rookie Derek Carr for the starting job. Schaub then spent last season as Joe Flacco‘s backup in Baltimore.

Schaub, 34, is unlikely to see much action with the Falcons. Ryan has missed just two games during the course of eight-year career.

Falcons Sign Alex Mack

March 9th, 2016 at 3:21pm CST by Zachary Links

3:21pm: The Falcons officially announced the signing.

“We knew we needed to add an established presence along our offensive line,” said general manager Thomas Dimitroff. “Alex is a three-time pro bowler and is an ideal scheme fit for our offense. We understand the importance of solidifying the center position and we have been able to do that today. We are pleased to be able to add Alex to our roster and believe he will be an anchor to our line.”

12;26pm: Mack has agreed to sign with the Falcons on a five-year deal, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter).

12:20pm: If he signs, Mack’s deal with the Falcons would pay him an average of $9.5MM, per Peter King of SI (on Twitter). Mack could have made $500K more per season with Cleveland, but he is leaning towards the Falcons because of a few factors, including the presence of offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan.

11:33am: The Falcons are closing in on an agreement for Mack, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com, who cautions (via Twitter) that nothing is done yet.

9:48am: The Falcons are the frontrunners for center Alex Mack, Michael Silver of NFL Network tweets. The Browns, he adds, could make a late push to keep him. Earlier this week it was reported that Atlanta had “extensive interest” in Mack.

Mack voided the final three years on his contract with the Browns earlier this month. Still, he indicated that he would be open to a Cleveland return. Mack stands as the top center on the free agent market and will aim to exceed $10MM+ per year on a new deal.

Mack, 30, has been one of the NFL’s most reliable centers since he entered the league in 2009. The veteran lineman has been Cleveland’s full-time starter since joining the team, starting all 16 regular-season games for the franchise in all but one of his seven NFL seasons. He has also earned three Pro Bowl nods.

Two years ago, when Mack first became eligible for free agency, the Browns used their transition tag on the center, who then signed a five-year, $42MM offer sheet with the Jaguars. Cleveland ultimately took advantage of the right of first refusal and matched the offer, but since the language of the contract included an opt-out for this winter, it was essentially a two-year deal rather than a five-year pact. This time around, the Jags reportedly do not plan on making a play for Mack.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Falcons Frontrunner For Mohamed Sanu

March 9th, 2016 at 3:20pm CST by Dallas Robinson

3:20pm: Sanu will visit the Falcons tonight, ESPN.com’s Vaughn McClure reports (on Twitter), with an agreement possible during that summit. The Falcons were initially offering the versatile wideout $30MM over five years, per Mike Garofolo of Fox Sports (via Twitter). Although Garofolo isn’t certain of the parameters of Atlanta’s most recent pitch to Sanu, he confirms the fifth-year receiver will visit.

3:05pm: A deal is not yet finalized between Sanu and the Falcons, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. However, Sanu is expected to visit Atlanta at some point and could sign a contract then.

1:53pm: The Falcons have emerged as the favorites to land receiver Mohamed Sanu, as they’re offering more than $7MM per year, tweets Dianna Marie Russini of ESPN.com (Twitter link). A long list of clubs have expressed interest in Sanu, including the Giants, Patriots, Cowboys, Buccaneers, and Washington.

The Bengals lost Marvin Jones to the Lions on Wednesday morning and it sounds like they could conceivably lose their other top wide receiver to free agency. Jones netted an average annual value of $8MM and it has been speculated that Sanu could command $5MM/year, particularly because of the lack of talent at the position in this year’s crop, but it looks like he’ll garner significantly more than that estimate. In 2014, Sanu hauled in 56 catches for 790 yards and five touchdowns. Last year, however, he saw a dip in production with just 33 catches for 394 yards and no touchdowns.

Sanu earned honorable mention on PFR’s Top 50 List of NFL Free Agents. At the wide receiver position, Sanu was ranked as the No. 7 wide receiver available, behind Jones, Travis Benjamin, Rishard Matthews, Rueben Randle, Anquan Boldin, and Jermaine Kearse.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Free Agent Rumors: Saints, Fleener, Falcons

March 9th, 2016 at 3:02pm CST by Luke Adams

A deal between tight end Ladarius Green and the Steelers remains imminent, Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com tweets. The Saints were looking at the athletic tight end as well, but they’ll now turn their attention to Coby Fleener. Fleener is available and less likely to be retained by the Colts after they signed Dwayne Allen to a hefty new contract.

Here are the latest free agent rumors on what has been a crazy day:

After adding one of the league’s top centers in Alex Mack, Gino Gradkowski is not expected to be retained by the Falcons, according to a source who spoke with Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com (on Twitter).
The Jets are exploring the market for offensive lineman, according to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News (Twitter link). Mehta reports that New York did its homework on tackle Donald Stephenson before he agreed to terms with the Broncos, and adds that J.R. Sweezy is worth keeping an eye on as a Jets target.
Jenna Laine of SportsTalkFlorida confirms (via Twitter) that the Buccaneers are likely moving on from cornerback Sterling Moore, as first reported by JoeBucsFan.com.
After receiving a low-end tender from the Broncos, RFA running back C.J. Anderson has generated interest from “multiple” teams, tweets Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post. Denver has the right to match any offer sheet Anderson signs, but won’t receive compensation if he leaves.
The market for Ravens outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw is “not exactly wild,” tweets Charles Robinson of Yahoo! Sports. Upshaw may ultimately return to Baltimore, though the Colts are worth monitoring — Indianapolis’ new defensive coordinator is Upshaw’s former linebackers coach, Ted Monachino.

Latest On Mohamed Sanu

March 9th, 2016 at 1:05pm CST by Zachary Links

There are many teams in on Bengals free agent wide receiver Mohamed Sanu, according to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (on Twitter). That list of suitors includes the Giants, Patriots, Falcons, Cowboys, Buccaneers, and Washington.

The Bengals lost Marvin Jones to the Lions on Wednesday morning and it sounds like they could conceivably lose their other top wide receiver to free agency. Jones netted an average annual value of $8MM and it has been speculated that Sanu could command $5MM/year, particularly because of the lack of talent at the position in this year’s crop. In 2014, Sanu hauled in 56 catches for 790 yards and five touchdowns. Last year, however, he saw a dip in production with just 33 catches for 394 yards and no touchdowns.

Sanu earned honorable mention on PFR’s Top 50 List of NFL Free Agents. At the wide receiver position, Sanu was ranked as the No. 7 wide receiver available, behind Jones, Travis Benjamin, Rishard Matthews, Rueben Randle, Anquan Boldin, and Jermaine Kearse.

In other Bengals news, Reggie Nelson will get interest from the Vikings and Buccaneers when free agency opens, Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports tweets. Cincinnati, as it turns out, does not want the safety back at this point. The Bengals floated a two-year offer to Nelson earlier this week and the safety did not accept, sources tell Jim Owczarski of the Enquirer tweets.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Free Agent Rumors: Massie, Mack, Vikings

March 9th, 2016 at 12:54pm CST by Zachary Links

The latest free agent rumors:

Cardinals free agent tackle Bobby Massie is deciding between three teams and he could remain in Arizona, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report tweets.
Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter) says that Alex Mack got a quality deal from the Falcons because multiple teams including the Browns and the Chargers were “in strong” for his services. Meanwhile, Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego (on Twitter) says that even though the Chargers reached out, they did not “develop into a major contender.”
The Vikings are looking at free agent wide receiver Andre Holmes, Ben Goessling of ESPN.com tweets. Holmes, who was with Minnesota as a UDFA in 2011, would give Minnesota a big target.
The Eagles never had formal contract discussions with Walter Thurmond prior to Monday, Geoff Mosher of 97.5 The Fanatic tweets. Thurmond is now on the open market and, one way or another, the Eagles need to add depth at the cornerback position.
Keenan Robinson appears to have posted a farewell message to Washington fans on Instagram. After re-signing Mason Foster, it seems like Washington will be moving on from their other free agent inside linebacker.

Bears, Falcons Pursuing G Jeff Allen

March 9th, 2016 at 12:19pm CST by Zachary Links

12:19pm: Allen could command between $6MM and $7MM per year, tweets Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.

12:00pm: The Bears and Falcons are among the teams pursuing guard Jeff Allen, Alex Marvez of FOX Sports tweets. It’s not immediately clear how involved the incumbent Chiefs are in his free agency, however.

Last season, the advanced metrics at Pro Football Focus (subscription required) rated Allen as the No. 10 guard in the NFL with a strong 88.8 grade for run blocking and a solid 77.4 grade for pass blocking. Those scores put Allen as the second-best available free agent guard this offseason behind veteran Richie Incognito. In total, Allen saw 321 pass snaps and 272 run snaps for KC.

The Eagles were previously listed as a potential suitor for Allen given their need for interior line help and Allen’s connection to new head coach Doug Pederson. At this time, however, it doesn’t sound like they are a leading team for his services.

Free Agent Rumors: Schwartz, Boykin, Falcons

March 9th, 2016 at 11:21am CST by Zachary Links

Right tackle Mitchell Schwartz has a decent chance of returning to the Browns, Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer tweets. Schwartz’s deal could fall in the neighborhood of $7.5MM, she adds. Meanwhile, Michael Silver of NFL.com (on Twitter) hears that Schwartz likely won’t return to the Browns.

While we wait to see how Schwartz’s free agency plays out, check out this roundup of the latest free agent rumors:

There’s not much momentum between the Steelers and Brandon Boykin, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com tweets. The Falcons, however, are among the teams with interest in the cornerback.
Defensive end Chris Clemons is on his way to visit the Seahawks, Albert Breer of NFL.com tweets. If things go well, he could sign and make his return to Seattle.
Defensive end William Hayes is in play for the Dolphins, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald tweets. Hayes, along with new acquisition Mario Williams, would boost the defensive line if Olivier Vernon leaves in free agency as expected.
Chiefs free agent wide receiver Jason Avant says that he isn’t done yet and wants to continue his career, as Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star writes. Avant caught 15 passes for 119 yards during the regular season. In the Chiefs’ 27-20 AFC divisional-round loss to the Patriots, Avant caught four passes for 69 yards.
Left tackle Donald Penn has talked with the Seahawks, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times tweets.
The Cowboys and Seahawks are among the teams interested in defensive lineman Cedric Thornton, Rand Getlin of NFL.com tweets.
Mike Harris is now considering a one-year deal with the Vikings, Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press tweets. Harris could battle with Brandon Fusco at right guard, Tomasson adds.

Bears, Falcons, Titans In Hunt For Danny Trevathan

March 8th, 2016 at 9:04pm CST by Zachary Links

9:04pm: The Bears are in competition with the Falcons and Titans for Trevathan’s services, multiple sources tell Brad Biggs.

6:50pm: The Falcons have joined the Bears as strong contenders for Trevathan, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link).

2:33pm: The price tag for Trevathan is expected to be at – or slightly above – $7MM per year, tweets Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.

1:06pm: The Bears are making a strong push for linebacker Danny Trevathan, Troy Renck of The Denver Post tweets. Trevathan enjoyed a huge bounce back year for the Broncos after previously dealing with knee injuries.

Last month, Trevathan said that he was anticipating interest from Chicago. Trevathan and John Fox have history from their time together in Denver, so a reunion with the Bears would make a lot of sense.

“Coach Fox is one of the guys that gave me the opportunity to showcase I can fit within the scheme,” Trevathan said in February. “I’m sure it’ll be there, I’m sure we’ll end up talking, but right now my main focus is this game. Whatever happens, happens. This game could make or break my contracts. It’s up to me to make the most of it.”

Trevathan was Denver’s leading tackler in 2013, but he registered just 11 tackles across three games for the Broncos in 2014 thanks to a left medial tibial impaction fracture. In 2015, Trevathan has looked like his old self. In 15 regular season contests (all starts), the inside linebacker recorded 109 total tackles, six pass deflections, and two interceptions – one of which led to a defensive touchdown.

A former sixth-round pick, the linebacker earned just $660K in 2015. Needless to say, Trevathan is looking forward to a contract that matches his performance. “We’re going to get paid,” said Trevathan in January. In addition to the Bears and Broncos, the Titans have also been said to have interest in the linebacker.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

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