While the Falcons do have issues surrounding the contracts of Michael Turner and Matt Ryan, the team's top priority is centered out the status of tight end Tony Gonzalez. While Gonzalez has said multiple times he intends on retiring now that the season is over, the Falcons are doing everything they can to convince him to stay. At this moment, Atlanta is placing that above any contract negotiations with other players.
When Gonzalez entered the season, he said he was 90 percent positive he was retiring. When the season officially ended after Atlanta lost to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game, Gonzalez stressed the retirement statement even further saying he was "pretty sure" he was retiring. Team general manager Thomas Dimitroff believes Gonzalez is more 50/50 on whether or not he will retire officially, giving fans hope he might be back again. While Gonzalez is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent, he has said if he were to play another season, it would only be with Atlanta.
"He's still a very adept and athletic tight end in our minds and can continue to help us win a lot of games. But again, it's ultimately up to Tony to make that decision for himself and his family," Dimitroff said.
The Falcons would like to have a committed answer one way or the other from Gonzalez before free agency starts March 12, however they will not push a deadline on him if he still has not made up his mind. A return to Atlanta is tempting to the tight end. Barring any major injuries, the Falcons have the talent to make another big run at the Super Bowl.
His own performance has certainly not declined. The 13-time Pro Bowler who is set to turn 38 on Feb. 27, is coming off one of his best seasons of his career. He currently holds the NFL record for touchdown receptions (107) and reception yards (14,268) by a tight end. He finished last season with 93 catches for 930 yards and eight touchdowns.
Atlanta is prepared to handle the thought of Gonzalez not returning to the team. Many draft analysts have the Falcons taking a tight end with their first pick. Prospects like Notre Dame's Tyler Eifert have fallen on the Falcon's radar and is a tight end they will scout more during the combine. The Falcons will certainly hope for Gonzalez to return for one more year, but they would also be wise to draft a young tight end to learn under the veteran if he comes back.