The massive roster changes for the Falcons continued as the NFL’s free-agency period officially opened Tuesday. Let’s catch up on the moves already made.
The Atlanta Falcons announced Tuesday that they have agreed to terms with linebacker Justin Durant, guard Mike Person, and linebacker Brooks Reed. The club has also agreed resigned running back Antone Smith.
“We are excited about adding these guys to our team,” said Head Coach Dan Quinn. “We believe that they all possess skill sets that fit our schemes and will be pieces to what we are putting together. This is just the first step in putting our roster together and I am fired up about getting to connect and work with all of our guys come April 6.”
Durant was originally selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second round (48th overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft out of Hampton and played four seasons in Jacksonville before signing with the Detroit Lions in 2011. After two seasons with the Lions, Durant signed with the Dallas Cowboys in 2013. He has played in 95 games with 80 starts while totaling tackles 512 tackles (406 solo), 3.5 sacks, three interceptions, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and 19 passes defensed.
Person was originally selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the seventh round (239th overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft out of Montana State. He spent time with the 49ers, Indianapolis Colts, and Seattle Seahawks before being claimed off of waivers by the St. Louis Rams in 2013. Person has played in 17 games in his career, including all 16 games last season.
Reed was a 2011 second round pick by the Houston Texans out of Arizona. He started 52 of 59 career games, recording 211 tackles (12solo), 14.5 sacks, one interception, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries in four seasons in Houston.
Atlanta released starters RB Steven Jackson, WR Harry Douglas and OG Justin Blalock while waiving DE Jonathan Massaquoi. Defensive tackle Corey Peters and linebacker Sean Weatherspoon are being sent to the Arizona Cardinals.
The Falcons did retain the contracts of QB T.J. Yates, kicker Matt Bryant along with FB Patrick DiMarco, DE Cliff Matthews, LB Nate Stupar, S Charles Godfrey and WR Eric Weems.
Linebacker Allen Bradford, a 6th Round pick out of USC in 2011 and wideout Nick Williams, an undrafted free agent out of UConn in 2013, are early newcomers to the roster.
Stay tuned for more updates
Loading ...
