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The Atlanta Falcons have already dipped into the pre-free agency bargain bin once, signing former first round pick and offensive lineman Gabe Carimi to a one-year deal. They may do so again before March 11.
To give us a quality list of possible options, I've gone down the line and culled some players who reports indicate might be in danger of being cut. It's not a complete list—chime in with players who intrigue you!—but it will get us started. I've also included a couple of players who have already gotten the axe.
Let's go.
FS Louis Delmas: Cut by the Lions, a quality free safety when healthy, a full two years younger than Thomas DeCoud. If the Falcons don't think they'll be able to get Jairus Byrd, he's a good fallback option.
OG James Carpenter: If you're looking to add competition along the offensive line, James Carpenter's a possible option. He's been disappointing in Seattle, but was the 25th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft and has shown brief flashes of run-blocking dominance that still intrigue me. He and Carimi would likely be fighting for the same roster spot.
C Nick Hardwick: A reliable starter at center for a long time, he may be on the chopping block in San Diego. If he's released and doesn't retire, he might make sense as a veteran backup who could compete for a starting role with Peter Konz.
LB LaMarr Woodley: The 29-year-old longtime Steeler is still a useful pass rusher and should have a couple of quality years left. The Falcons still could stand to add talent at linebacker.
TE James Casey: A legitimate disappointment in Philadelphia last year, but a fine blocker and not a bad pass catcher. If the Eagles release him, he could make a ton of sense as a backup to Levine Toilolo.
QB Chase Daniel: The former Saint and current Chief could hit the open market. The Falcons may be shopping for a veteran quarterback behind Matt Ryan, and Daniel is a more attractive option than, say, Luke McCown.
Worth noting that none of these players are exactly impact guys, but when your roster needs work, the kind of cheap, short-term deals the Falcons gave Gabe Carimi make sense if you think there's talent to be harvested.
Anyone you have your eye on?