clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Potential Cuts The Falcons Could Look At Before 2014 Free Agency

Names to watch as the Falcons go bargain hunting before the start of free agency.

Donald Miralle

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?