Falcons set to release defensive tackle Paul Soliai

The Atlanta Falcons are poised to part ways with defensive tackle Paul Soliai after he refused to take a pay cut.

#Falcons DL Paul Soliai won't be taking a pay cut from his $5M salary, source said. He'll be a free agent at the start of the league year

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 21, 2016

#Falcons will release DT Paul Soliai as of March 9, designated as a June 1 cut.

— Jason Cole (@JasonColeBR) February 21, 2016

Soliai figured to be one of the key pieces in the Falcons' shift to a 3-4 when they signed him to a five-year, $32 million deal in 2014, but that defensive transition never quite came to fruition.

The nine-year veteran turned in a solid campaign last season, but Atlanta obviously couldn't justify keeping him with his salary.

The Falcons clearly didn't spend wisely in free agency two years ago. Jon Asamoah signed a five-year, $22.5 million deal before the team reached an injury settlement with him back in December.

Only Tyson Jackson, who was inked to a five-year, $25 million contract, remains.

Could this mean the Falcons will draft a defensive tackle?