With Paul Soliai gone, is Tyson Jackson next?

The Falcons have gotten rid of three overpaid, underperforming veterans so far this season: William Moore, Justin Durant, and Paul Soliai. It sounds as if Moore and Durant were simply set free, while the team wanted Soliai to take a salary more fitting of his role.

Next on the list of bad acquisitions is the invisible man, DE Tyson Jackson. Jackson looked to be like a solid fit as a run-stopping end in a 3-4 defense. The Falcons, of course, only briefly played that scheme in 2014. Cut to now, and Jackson is competent against the run, and a huge liability when asked to rush the passer.  He is a stunningly average player, and can easily be replaced by any number of free agents and/or draft picks. Perhaps his only most memorable play was when he was unblocked on the way to Cam Newton, had a chance to make the first play the entire season, but instead sends his helmet into Cam Newton's face for a penalty.

Jackson is not a good fit for Quinn's defense, and the Falcons are widely expected to use one of their top draft picks for a starter at the LDE position. Jackson's base salary is $4.75 million this year, an unimaginably high number of a backup that is unable to effectively get to the quarterback.

Atlanta could save his $4.75 million base salary by cutting Jackson, but has to deal with accelerating $3.2 million in his signing bonus into this year. Atlanta could free up that $1.55 million by making the cut, but will probably pay a similar amount to Jackson's replacement. The move would be best used just to get rid of Jackson. If designated as a post-June 1st  cut, the Falcons would save the $4.75 million base salary this season, but will be stuck paying that $3.2 million next season.

The Falcons need a "redo" button on the 2014 offseason.