Thinking ahead to Falcons 2017 free agency, when some familiar names may be leaving

If the 2016 Falcons' free agency class is pretty underwhelming, featuring mostly role players, backups, and starters acquired for cheap on one year deals, the 2017 class promises to be a little more interesting.

There are some big names here, including Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford, and one or two beloved franchise icons, depending on whether you consider Eric Weems to qualify for that honor. There's also a lot of useful role players, and with the Falcons heading into 2016 with just five draft picks and a quality but not enormous amount of cap space, they'll either have to re-sign a lot of these guys or churn the roster significantly heading into their new stadium in 2017.

2017 Falcons Free Agents

WR Devin Hester

DT Jonathan Babineaux

CB Desmond Trufant

TE Jacob Tamme

WR Eric Weems

CB Robert Alford

FB Patrick DiMarco

DE Malliciah Goodman

TE Levine Toilolo

QB Sean Renfree

SS Kemal Ishmael

C James Stone

WR Nick Williams

G Ben Garland

LB Tyler Starr

FB Collin Mooney

CB Akeem King

DT Joey Mbu

TE D.J. Tialavea

CB Travis Howard

There's a few notes here, chief among them that Desmond Trufant is not going to leave, and the team has a fifth-year option they'll almost certainly exercise for him that will make his contract run through the 2017 season. Guys like Hester and Weems could be gone before their contracts run out, and therefore won't be here.

I've bolded the players I believe the Falcons should make it a priority to re-sign. Let me know if you agree.