The Atlanta Falcons are in the midst of figuring out what went wrong in the 2013 season. After having Super Bowl aspirations, the Falcons fell to being one of the worst teams in the NFL this season. The result has been coaching staff shakeups several contracts being put into question. While the Falcons begin to focus on the NFL draft, several players are awaiting to hear their fate for 2014.
The biggest question could be Steven Jackson. The running back spent a majority of the 2013 season injured after signing over as a free agent from the St. Louis Rams. He played in one game before missing the next six with hamstring and bone bruise issues. Many wondered whether or not the Falcons would just bite the bullet on Jackson and release him, but the National Football Post is reporting that the running back is expected to return for another season.
2013 was proof that Jackson is no longer in the prime of his football career. Jackson only put up 543 yards this season in 12 games after eight-straight 1,000 yard seasons. Despite the injuries and low numbers, Jackson did come on strong towards the end of the season; looking like a small sample of the running back he had gained the reputation for being. Rather than signing yet another free agent, the Falcons believe he can remain a solid fit for the offense in 2014.
The Falcons offense will be under a microscope for the most part of the offseason. The unit was down-right terrible during 2013 thanks to injuries and a struggling offensive line. The Falcons will likely address the line in free agency and the draft while several players will return to the field after sitting out a number of games.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that Julio Jones is on schedule during his recovery from a foot injury that landed him on injured reserve after five games. Jones finished the year with 580 yards on 41 receptions and was leading the league in receiving yards at the time of injury. The Falcons are making his recovery a priority in order to get their top wide receiving tandem back.
The two players that appear to be up in the air are Corey Peters and Asante Samuel. Peters finished his year by tearing his Achilles which will sideline him for moths. The upcoming free agent is hopeful to re-sign with the Falcons and if the team is smart, they will keep the young defensive tackle on the roster.
Samuel looks likely to be released. The veteran was plagued with injuries this season and two young rookies emerged in his place. Robert Alford and Desmund Trufant are busy racking up the postseason awards and could replace the veteran secondary star next season.