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The new Atlanta Falcons head coaching staff has looked over the roster, and for some reason is not happy with the tight end situation. Levine Toilolo turned 54 targets into 31 catches and 238 yards, which based on my analysis, is not good.
Luckily, the new coaches know rolling into the season with Toilolo as the starting tight end is a terrible idea. The team is reportedly looking at free agent tight ends. ESPN's Vaughn McClure has the scoop.
It's a safe bet the Falcons will express interest in tight end Niles Paul, if Paul is not re-signed before then. The 6-foot-1, 245-pound Paul is one of several tight ends headed for free agency who has played in Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan's scheme.
Paul, the Redskins tight end that is not Jordan Reed, had a breakout 2014 season. While previously putting up some Toilolo-esque numbers as a backup, he caught 34 balls on 52 targets for 507 yards last year. Paul has produced over twice the yards per target as Toilolo, and would be a quality addition to the team.
Paul's salary would be relatively low, but the undersized Paul is essentially another wide receiver. It is unclear if he would be the starter in Shanahan's tight end-heavy offense.