The Atlanta Falcons realized the hard way that without quality depth, wins will not happen. In 2013, the team was hit hard with injuries on both sides of the ball. They lost two key defensive stars, a running back and two wide receivers resulting in a less than stellar season. Determined to solve that issue, the Falcons have been loading up the roster. However, one position group has yet to be addressed, the tight ends.
For the past five seasons, the Falcons have not had to worry about the tight end position. Tony Gonzalez was with the team and one of the most dominating and consistent players in the entire league. Last season he finished second on the team in receiving. In 2012 he put up 930 yards, as a tight end. However, Gonzalez has retired and have left the Falcons with big shoes to fill.
The team has endorsed Levine Toilolo as the right starter following Gonzalez's departure. Both Mike Smith and Matt Ryan have voiced their confidence in the second-year pro who showed serious signs of promise last year especially as a red zone target. He had 55 yards off 11 catches and two touchdowns all while barely seeing the field. However, behind Toilolo is nothing and the Falcons are looking to change that.
Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports is reporting that Bear Pascoe is paying a visit to the Falcons facility in hopes of getting a contract. The former New York Giants tight end was a sixth-round pick in 2009. He has only had 38 catches in 66 games, being used mailing as a blocker. The Falcons certainly like that about him considering they have an array of wide receivers to work with. But, Pascoe also pair up well with Toilolo with his height and weight, giving the team a solid tight end rotation to work with.
If a deal for Pascoe does not work out, the team could also take a look at Dustin Keller or Jermichael Finley. Both players are coming off severe injuries and while Finley has yet to be medically cleared, Keller says he is good to go. The New England Patriots are also taking a glance at Keller so the Falcons would need to decide quickly what their plan is in order to sign someone as a fitting roster filler.