Who stays, who goes? An early offseason look at the Falcons’ 2020 roster, including free agents

[Goober Pyle]

https://theathletic.com/1513601/2020/01/06/who-stays-who-goes-an-early-offseason-look-at-the-falcons-2020-roster-including-free-agents/

 

The Falcons’ difficult decisions will soon begin.

General manager Thomas Dimitroff said part of the reason he isn’t worried about the salary cap is due to the tough calls he will have to make regarding certain key contributors. That can be taken to mean some players who have been integral in the past could be forced to find a new team for 2020.

Updating a previous story on Atlanta’s roster, here is a look at each player’s current standing.

As opposed to position, the players have been broken down into the categories they fit into once the new league year begins — unrestricted free agents, restricted free agents, exclusive-rights free agents and under contract.

Unrestricted free agents

TE Austin Hooper: Once again, Dimitroff expressed that re-signing Hooper will be the priority this offseason. At the same time, considering the salary-cap ramifications, can the Falcons secure a long-term deal with Hooper? If they do, it likely will come at the expense of another position that needs to be addressed. But Hooper is especially valuable to Atlanta’s offense. The franchise tag is an option if the Falcons are set on Hooper’s return but are unable to reach a long-term agreement.

LB De’Vondre Campbell: For the second consecutive season, Campbell led the Falcons in tackles, this time with 129. He has yet to hear anything of substance from Atlanta on the contract front and said he understands the business aspect of the league. Despite Campbell’s production during the past four years, the Falcons may be forced to part ways for money reasons.

DE Vic Beasley: During the final eight games, Beasley totaled 6.5 of his eight sacks for the 2019 season. That could be enough to earn him a short-term deal worth a decent amount of money with another team. While Atlanta picked up Beasley’s fifth-year option worth $12.8 million for the 2019 season, it may not be willing to spend much to bring him back. Beasley was placed on the trading block, with no takers, at the midpoint of the season.

DL Michael Bennett: Bennett broke his ankle on the first training camp practice and subsequently went on injured reserve. He could be considered for a depth position.

DT Tyeler Davison: Davison proved to be valuable against the run on early downs. Working alongside Grady Jarrett, Davison helped shore up a weak spot from the 2018 season. It seems feasible the Falcons would be able to bring back Davison on a team-friendly short-term contract.

DE Adrian Clayborn: The Falcons have only three defensive ends under contract. If Clayborn is open to a return, you’d have to assume the Falcons will at least look into bringing back the veteran for another season.

DT Jack Crawford: A rotational player this season, Crawford recorded half a sack after posting six sacks in 2018. Like Clayborn, he would be an easy-to-retain depth player.

DE Steven Means: One of the most underrated losses for the season was not having Means available on the defensive line. Means was developing into a solid contributor near the end of the 2018 season. The coaches were fond of his ability to control the edge against the run. There’s a solid chance Means returns.

DL Ra’Shede Hageman: The Falcons wanted another look at their former draft pick, who is hoping to make an NFL comeback after two seasons out of the league. But while Hageman was suspended for the first two games of 2019, and ultimately ended up on injured reserve, it didn’t appear he was knocking on the door for rotational time.

P Matt Bosher: It all depends on how much the Falcons want to spend on a punter. If they are OK with $2 million to $3 million toward the 2020 salary cap going to a punter, Bosher should continue his career in Atlanta. If they want to save $1.5 million or more, going the young-and-cheaper route would be an option.

RB Kenjon Barner: With the Falcons, Barner recorded his first-ever return touchdown, which coincidentally came against his former team, Carolina. Last year, the Falcons tried to find their next returner through the draft, and it didn’t work. Barner stepped in and performed admirably. He said he hopes to return.

CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson: Wreh-Wilson has offered depth and experience the past two seasons. Asked to step up in a bigger role twice this season, Wreh-Wilson performed well enough to earn the opportunity to come back.

FB Keith Smith: Smith did a good job as the team’s fullback and even capitalized on some short-yardage carries. If Atlanta wants to bring back Smith, he shouldn’t cost too much.

G/C Wes Schweitzer: Schweitzer has earned a reputation for being one of the hardest-working players on the team. With a second contract coming up, the Falcons have a decision to make: bring back a key depth component who serves as the backup center or try their luck on another player.

S J.J. Wilcox: Wilcox was the backup strong safety who was going to see time in certain defensive packages. On the first day of training camp, however, Wilcox tore his ACL. His status for the 2020 season on the Falcons roster remains uncertain.

WR Justin Hardy: Hardy came back on a one-year deal in 2019. This coaching staff obviously trusts him. While he isn’t flashy, Hardy is a reliable pass-catcher.

S Kemal Ishmael: Ishmael, like Sharrod Neasman, has been a valuable special-teamer. He finished yet another one-year deal, however, so there is no guarantee he’s back in 2020.

S Sharrod Neasman: Neasman primarily has been a special-teamer and backup free safety. Considering the Falcons’ awful injury luck at safety in recent seasons, Neasman could receive a close look to come back.

S Johnathan Cyprien: The Falcons traded Duke Riley for Cyprien, only for him to go on injured reserve after one game.

OL John Wetzel: Wetzel was on and off the 53-man roster all season. He finished on the active roster. Without a new contract, he could soon be off of it again.

P Ryan Allen: Allen ended the season as Bosher’s replacement. If the Falcons elect not to keep Bosher, perhaps Allen gets a closer look. Regardless, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a competition take place for the punter job.

CB Jamar Taylor: Signed in December, Taylor appeared in the final three games of the season.

Restricted free agents

QB Matt Simms: Simms joined the Falcons during the preseason but was never going to make the 53-man roster. He ended up going on injured reserve before the regular season.

RB Brian Hill: Hill was impressive down the stretch and should be back, perhaps in an even larger role.

Exclusive-rights free agents

PK Younghoe Koo: Brought on after the bye week, Koo went 23-of-26 kicking with a long of 50 yards. Koo is likely to be re-signed but is also likely to face competition this offseason — something Atlanta didn’t do after initially handing Giorgio Tavecchio the place-kicking job a year ago. As an exclusive-rights free agent, if the Falcons offer him a contract, Koo must accept if he’s to play in 2020.

Under contract

QB Matt Ryan: Ryan agreed to a contract adjustment to help free up some cap space in 2020. He is set to lead the Falcons once again, having only missed three total games in his distinguished career.

QB Matt Schaub: At 38, Schaub proved against the Seattle Seahawks that he’s still worthy of being an NFL backup. His $2.375 million cap hit is probably worth it since a cheap backup would save the team only an estimated $1.5 million to $1.75 million. But that could be a decision the team decides to weigh this offseason.

QB Kurt Benkert: Benkert went on injured reserve due to a toe injury after impressing early in the preseason. He will be an option for the Falcons if they decide to go younger and cheaper at backup quarterback.

QB Danny Etling: The other younger-and-cheaper option at backup quarterback is Etling, who joined the team after the New England Patriots let him go. The Falcons thought enough of Etling to place a waiver claim to get him. On the practice squad for most of the season, Etling recently signed a reserve/future deal with Atlanta.

RB Devonta Freeman: Under contract, Freeman has a chance to be a cap casualty because the Falcons would save $3.5 million by releasing or trading him. But perhaps the Falcons decide to keep him and try to restructure the remaining years on his contract. Time will soon tell whether Freeman remains in Atlanta’s plans.

RB Ito Smith: Smith’s season came to an end after a second neck injury landed him on injured reserve. Smith will enter his third season with the Falcons and has produced in spot duty when called upon. Smith offers good balance and vision and can also be used as a receiving threat.

RB Qadree Ollison: The Falcons carved out a short-yardage/goal-line role for Ollison late in the season. This offseason figures to be a big one for the soon-to-be second-year back if he’s going to earn additional playing time.

RB Craig Reynolds: Reynolds finished the season on the practice squad and signed a reserve/future contract last week.

WR Julio Jones: Jones will account for $20.4 million against the salary cap in 2020. That’s the price to pay if you have one of the league’s elite receivers.

WR Calvin Ridley: After Mohamed Sanu was traded, Ridley became even more involved, which furthered his confidence. Ridley suffered a painful abdomen injury late in the year, which placed him on injured reserve. Ridley figures to be poised for a big season.

WR Russell Gage: Entering the season, Gage was one of the team’s most improved players. Once Sanu was traded, Gage earned more playing time and became someone Ryan could rely on. Gage should enter 2020 as Atlanta’s third wide receiver.

WR Christian Blake: Blake will continue backing up Jones at practice. If Jones follows last year’s plan and rests during most of the offseason workouts, Blake could be in for a big developmental offseason.

WR Olamide Zaccheaus: Zaccheaus showed how explosive he can be on his 93-yard touchdown against the Carolina Panthers. He also became a contributor on special teams as the year continued. Although undrafted, Atlanta thought enough of Zaccheaus to sign him to the 53-man roster out of training camp.

WR Devin Gray: Gray was on the bubble for a 53-man roster spot last preseason but spent the season on the practice squad. He signed a reserve/future deal late last week.

WR Brandon Powell: Powell was promoted from the practice squad to the 53-man roster during the season but never appeared in a game.

TE Luke Stocker: While Stocker is slated to return in 2020, releasing him would net a cap savings of $2.6 million. Stocker served as Atlanta’s primary blocking tight end.

TE Jaeden Graham: Graham is a young up-and-comer who got some good experience when Hooper missed three games with a knee injury. Graham was able to catch his first career touchdown, too. If Hooper doesn’t return, Graham could be a big beneficiary of playing time and targets.

TE Carson Meier: The Falcons signed Meier to a reserve/future deal, so he looks to be in the team’s plans for the time being.

T Jake Matthews: Matthews had many more positive moments than negative ones in 2019. Matthews has a reputation as a tactician at left tackle and will remain the starter.

G James Carpenter: The Falcons won’t save much money by releasing Carpenter, who ended the season on injured reserve due to concussions. But if the Falcons think there’s a better option at a value in free agency, they could go in that direction.

C Alex Mack: Of the difficult decisions Dimitroff alluded to, Mack just might be one of the toughest. From a football perspective, it would make little sense to part ways, considering the value he brings on the field. While the Falcons could save $8 million against the salary cap, the drop-off in production and communication might not be worth it.

G Chris Lindstrom: Lindstrom was able to return for the final five games of the season and looked impressive. He has the makings of being a successful right guard for years to come.

T Kaleb McGary: The Falcons traded into the first round to take McGary. Playing alongside Lindstrom during the final five weeks, McGary appeared much more comfortable. A full offseason of working together could prove tremendous for the duo on the right side of the offensive line.

T Ty Sambrailo: Sambrailo’s operating under a three-year contract, although the Falcons have the financial flexibility to get out of it with little penalty. Will they do that? It depends on how they decide to address the offensive line as a whole.

G Jamon Brown: There isn’t much financial flexibility to get out of Brown’s contract if the Falcons feel inclined to do so. If they want to go that route, trading Brown would be the solution.

OL Matt Gono: Gono finally was able to get some playing time during the final five games of the season. Perhaps his NFL future is at guard. He cross-trained at guard late in 2018 only to revert to tackle for the 2019 regular season. He saw time at right guard and left guard once Atlanta moved him inside.

OL Sean Harlow: Harlow bounced back and forth from the practice squad to the 53-man roster. He was a fourth-round draft pick in 2017.

OL Lukayus McNeil: McNeil ended the season on the practice squad and signed a reserve/future contract last week.

DE Takk McKinley: McKinley will enter the fourth year of his rookie deal, with Atlanta soon deciding whether it will pick up his fifth-year option. McKinley’s season ended on injured reserve due to a shoulder injury. He totaled 3.5 sacks.

DE Allen Bailey: Bailey upgraded the Falcons defense against the run. But Atlanta could save $4.5 million with his release. Bailey could wind up being one of those difficult decisions the team has to make based on the value of his contract. Another consideration: The numbers at defensive end already appear thin.

DE: Austin Larkin: Larkin was a preseason standout who began the season on the practice squad. He finished on the 53-man roster.

DT Grady Jarrett: Even when Atlanta’s defense was struggling, Jarrett’s individual play was impeccable. Jarrett finished the season with 7.5 sacks and a Pro Bowl berth. He easily lived up to the money earned with his second contract.

DT Deadrin Senat: Senat was a third-round selection in 2018 but was a healthy scratch for 14 of 16 games. This offseason will be big for Senat if he’s to remain with the franchise.

DL John Cominsky: An ankle injury limited Cominsky during the middle of the season. Still, the Falcons believe Cominsky will provide good value over the next couple of seasons. Cominsky projects to being an interior pass-rusher who can also play the edge.

DL Jacob Tuioti-Mariner: Tuioti-Mariner is a developmental player the front office has thought highly of for some time. He was able to get some valuable experience on the 53-man roster over the latter half of the season.

LB Deion Jones: Atlanta signed Jones to a lucrative contract this past offseason, putting him in the team’s plans for the foreseeable future. Jones was able to conclude the 2019 season with a fumble recovery and a walk-off pick-six against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

LB Foye Oluokun: Oluokun saw an increase in snaps over the second half of the season and at multiple linebacker spots. He also proved to be a valuable special-teams contributor by totaling six tackles in that phase. He also showed a knack for being around the football on each of Atlanta’s onside-kick attempts.

CB Desmond Trufant: The decision on Trufant is among the toughest Atlanta will have to make. In a league where quarterbacks are throwing the ball more than ever, combined with officiating that makes matters increasingly difficult on opposing defenses, quality cornerbacks are coveted. Trufant offers stability at the position but also brings a $10.2 million cap hit. Releasing him would free up $4.95 million. At the same time, perhaps Trufant and his representation would be open to a restructured deal.

CB Kendall Sheffield: After Trufant suffered a season-ending broken forearm, Sheffield became the top corner in Atlanta’s base package. He was impressive during his rise up the depth chart as a rookie. Sheffield’s elevated play could also be a factor in the team’s decision about Trufant.

CB Isaiah Oliver: While Oliver had a bumpy first half of the season, he settled into his role during the final eight games. Getting an upcoming offseason to work more with Raheem Morris should continue to help the rising third-year corner.

CB Jordan Miller: While this season was essentially a redshirt year for Miller, he will open the 2020 season suspended for the first three games. He tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug and was also suspended for the season finale against the Buccaneers.

DB CJ Reavis: Reavis finished the 2019 season on the practice squad and signed a reserve/future deal last week.

S Ricardo Allen: Allen is entering the final season of his three-year contract. Allen’s intelligence and leadership should greatly offset the $3.125 million Atlanta could save by releasing him. Allen is too valuable on the field and in the locker room.

S Keanu Neal: More than likely, the Falcons will execute Neal’s fifth-year option, considering how well he performed his first two seasons. For Neal, it obviously has been disappointing to suffer ACL and Achilles injuries in consecutive years.

S Damontae Kazee: Considering how Kazee performed in 2018, it’s understandable why the coaches wanted to keep him on the field by starting him at nickel. But it’s also clear now that Kazee’s future is at free safety. Perhaps the coaching staff comes up with a way to get all three of Atlanta’s top safeties on the field at the same time.

S Jamal Carter: After his promotion to the 53-man roster, Carter worked primarily as a box safety and on special teams. If the Falcons decide not to bring Ishmael back, Carter would slide into that role.

S Chris Cooper: Cooper was impressive during the preseason but was unable to make the team out of training camp due to the numbers game at safety. On the practice squad for most of the season, Cooper did end the year on the 53-man roster.

S Ahmad Thomas: Thomas joined the Falcons practice squad in October but was signed to the 53-man roster in December. He’s under contract for 2020.

LS Josh Harris: Harris, a Pro Bowl alternate, signed a three-year extension last offseason and is the lone lock on special teams for 2020.

 

 

 

[Gold4425]

This is just my opinion. For the Falcons to make a deep run in the playoffs or make it to the SB and keep the fan base behind the FO. It is going to take a miracle to juggle our cap restraints, keep the RIGHT players, have an almost perfect draft, acquire the right F A's with the lack of spending money, coupled with signing and putting the right position Coaches where we can get the most out of our roster.  TD and the FO have their work cut out for them!!!! But miracles can happen and I hope one happens with the Falcons. It is a new year. 2020-it is on!

[stizz]

These guys really paid Bosher 2.5M.

[red falcon]

9 minutes ago, stizz said:

These guys really paid Bosher 2.5M.

It's been time to let him go. Please sign allen and koo. As hard as Wes works I wouldnt sign him. At the same time we cant do anything with the free agent guards from last year. Sigh. Was a bit of a panic move.

I applauded it but I was mistaken. Draft another interior linemen and roll with Gono.

[octoslash]

Bring back Matt Bryant!

 

[etherdome]

We need to let Neal, Freeman, and Beasley find jobs elsewhere.  Trufant is also a guy that might need to be dropped.   

[MAD597]

Allen has shown to be much better than Bosher and less expensive, it's a no brainer to keep him and let Bosher walk.

Also I think Koo has earned the kicking spot but he needs some camp competition and a quick backup if he tanks early next year.

[MoFalconsFan56]

Bring back Clayborn and Campbell. I suppose Crawford too but that’s it. Yes I like Hooper but whatever at this point if they want to keep spending big money on offense then we’ll never have a defense in the Ryan era and we’ll always think of what could’ve been

 

 

oh yeah and Koo!!! Gotta keep my dude!!

Edited January 7, 2020 by MoFalconsFan56

[jwickha2]

19 minutes ago, MAD597 said:

Allen has shown to be much better than Bosher and less expensive, it's a no brainer to keep him and let Bosher walk.

Also I think Koo has earned the kicking spot but he needs some camp competition and a quick backup if he tanks early next year.

Agree with both points . Bosher could put it inside the 20, but Allen could put it inside the 5. Koo looked solid but no reason not to have a competition. And I believe the Falcons said as much in their end of season press conference

[Drunken Minotaur Zebra]

21 minutes ago, MoFalconsFan56 said:

Bring back Clayborn and Campbell. I suppose Crawford too but that’s it. Yes I like Hooper but whatever at this point if they want to keep spending big money on offense then we’ll never have a defense in the Ryan era and we’ll always think of what could’ve been

 

 

oh yeah and Koo!!! Gotta keep my dude!!

I say forget the offensive skill positions and go all in on D and OL. 

[vel]

I got back and forth on Hooper. On one hand, TEs are so hard to find and the best offenses tend to have top tier TEs. They are unique players in that they are passing threats even when in blocking looks. Yet, look at the Saints. They traded Graham for Unger and haven't missed him. 

As for the others, try to restructure Trufant and Freeman. Bring back Clayborn, Davison, Means, BWW, and Smith. Let the rest walk. Cut Bailey, Schaub, Stocker, Sambrailo, and Carpenter. Restructure Mack by adding a year to his deal and moving some of that cap hit out. 

Sign a LB and some DL. Chase Graham Glasgow HARD. Draft the best defensive players with your first three picks. 

[NWFALCON]

5 hours ago, MoFalconsFan56 said:

Bring back Clayborn and Campbell. I suppose Crawford too but that’s it. Yes I like Hooper but whatever at this point if they want to keep spending big money on offense then we’ll never have a defense in the Ryan era and we’ll always think of what could’ve been

 

 

oh yeah and Koo!!! Gotta keep my dude!!

Cominsky performed way better than Crawford. I don’t know what happened but Crawford really regressed this year. 

Edited January 7, 2020 by NWFALCON

[kiwifalcon]

54 minutes ago, vel said:

I got back and forth on Hooper. On one hand, TEs are so hard to find and the best offenses tend to have top tier TEs. They are unique players in that they are passing threats even when in blocking looks. Yet, look at the Saints. They traded Graham for Unger and haven't missed him. 

As for the others, try to restructure Trufant and Freeman. Bring back Clayborn, Davison, Means, BWW, and Smith. Let the rest walk. Cut Bailey, Schaub, Stocker, Sambrailo, and Carpenter. Restructure Mack by adding a year to his deal and moving some of that cap hit out. 

Sign a LB and some DL. Chase Graham Glasgow HARD. Draft the best defensive players with your first three picks. 

Only thing I’ll add to this is give Gono a real shot at cementing LG so next year it’s easy to say goodbye to Carpenter and Brown.

[FalconFanSince1969]

3 hours ago, etherdome said:

We need to let Neal, Freeman, and Beasley find jobs elsewhere.  Trufant is also a guy that might need to be dropped.   

All of them combined only save you 14 mil and now you're stuck trying to replace 4 roster spots with that 14 mil...

[Atlantafan21]

1 hour ago, vel said:

I got back and forth on Hooper. On one hand, TEs are so hard to find and the best offenses tend to have top tier TEs. They are unique players in that they are passing threats even when in blocking looks. Yet, look at the Saints. They traded Graham for Unger and haven't missed him. 

As for the others, try to restructure Trufant and Freeman. Bring back Clayborn, Davison, Means, BWW, and Smith. Let the rest walk. Cut Bailey, Schaub, Stocker, Sambrailo, and Carpenter. Restructure Mack by adding a year to his deal and moving some of that cap hit out. 

Sign a LB and some DL. Chase Graham Glasgow HARD. Draft the best defensive players with your first three picks. 

I wouldn’t say they haven’t missed him. After trading him, didn’t they go 7-9 for the next two years? They also tried finding their next Graham by signing Coby Fleener, which didn’t pan out. They then got Cook this past year, who did well. They’d been looking for Graham’s replacement for a while now, and have just finally found it nearly 5 years later. 

[vel]

37 minutes ago, kiwifalcon said:

Only thing I’ll add to this is give Gono a real shot at cementing LG so next year it’s easy to say goodbye to Carpenter and Brown.

PLEASE! Why is it so hard for him to get snaps?! He showed well in PS and in limited snaps, yet kept feeding Schweitzer. It will be stupid if they let Wes walk. Why keep feeding a guy snaps that won't be on the team? 

[Atlantafan21]

5 minutes ago, FalconFanSince1969 said:

All of them combined only save you 14 mil and now you're stuck trying to replace 4 roster spots with that 14 mil...

Everyone wants to cut those guys, meanwhile Luke Stocker is sitting there allowing INTs and would save us $2.9 mil if we cut him. 

[vel]

6 minutes ago, Atlantafan21 said:

I wouldn’t say they haven’t missed him. After trading him, didn’t they go 7-9 for the next two years? They also tried finding their next Graham by signing Coby Fleener, which didn’t pan out. They then got Cook this past year, who did well. They’d been looking for Graham’s replacement for a while now, and have just finally found it nearly 5 years later. 

They also went 11-5, 13-3, and 13-3 with a SB appearance choke in the process without Graham. Without Unger, I doubt that happens. Yes, they've been looking to replace him, but it hasn't held them back and Graham has been to two playoff games since he left NO (6 catches, 59 yards, 1 TD). 

[Atlantafan21]

Just now, vel said:

They also went 11-5, 13-3, and 13-3 with a SB appearance choke in the process without Graham. Without Unger, I doubt that happens. Yes, they've been looking to replace him, but it hasn't held them back and Graham has been to two playoff games since he left NO (6 catches, 59 yards, 1 TD). 

That I can agree with. Was Unger still on their team last year? Or did he retire this past offseason? 

[vel]

14 minutes ago, FalconFanSince1969 said:

All of them combined only save you 14 mil and now you're stuck trying to replace 4 roster spots with that 14 mil...

Yall say this every single year. You really think it's hard to replace Vic? Neal hasn't played in two years. Freeman is very mediocre at this point. Trufant would be the hardest one and we have 3 picks in the top 55. 

[vel]

Just now, Atlantafan21 said:

That I can agree with. Was Unger still on their team last year? Or did he retire this past offseason? 

He retired. They lucked into Erik McCoy. The perfect replacement. 

[etherdome]

I truly don’t believe that Beasley and Neal are not worth keeping at all.  Neal for his injury history and Beasley for his lack of development.
 Freeman has talent but he is not as good as he used to be and he continues to be an injury risk.  

Trufant is a good CB, but he does not perform to the level of his contract.  He may be the only one I would consider bringing back because he can still be a good player for the next few years.....but that contract could precent us from addressing other issues.

[federicofalcon2]

3 hours ago, red falcon said:

It's been time to let him go. Please sign allen and koo. As hard as Wes works I wouldnt sign him. At the same time we cant do anything with the free agent guards from last year. Sigh. Was a bit of a panic move.

I applauded it but I was mistaken. Draft another interior linemen and roll with Gono.

I agree, draft a IOL in round 3 or 4, stick with Gono at LG, keep Brown and Carpenter as Depth (since we have to pay them anyways, or trade if possible) and cut them after next year.  

[Vandy]

25 minutes ago, FalconFanSince1969 said:

All of them combined only save you 14 mil and now you're stuck trying to replace 4 roster spots with that 14 mil...

I’m assuming you aren’t including Beasley. But yes, Few seem to grasp this truth.

[FalconFanSince1969]

5 minutes ago, vel said:

Yall say this every single year. You really think it's hard to replace Vic? Neal hasn't played in two years. Freeman is very mediocre at this point. Trufant would be the hardest one and we have 3 picks in the top 55. 

And then every year cuts come and go and all those guys are still here and we don't gut the team for cap space. Yes, Freeman is mediocre at this point, but more dead cap is created than money saved. Same with Tru. It is not worth it this year. Draft their replacements this year. Free can be a 3rd down back for a year, Tru can be the cb2 for a year and then next year both can be gone when we will actually save buckets of money from cutting them.