Dan Quinn plans to hit the ground running as the new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. Quinn stressed that he wanted to build a fast and athletic team where defense was a top priority entering the 2015 season. During his introductory press conference, Quinn told the media that the first step in building a better team is evaluating the current players on the roster and determining who stays and who goes, a process that has already started.
The Falcons defense has left a lot to be desired over the past two years and several of those players are approaching free agency. With Quinn in as head coach, he has no ties to any of the players and will release people as he sees fit. Working in tandem with general manager Thomas Dimitroff, one player that might catch a break is Sean Weatherspoon.
Dimitroff made it clear Tuesday that the Falcons need Weatherspoon back despite his injuries. The pending free agent linebacker has played 20 of a possible 48 games over the past three seasons thanks to a range of injuries. He tore his Achilles tendon prior to the 2014 season beginning. Weatherspoon is a threat if healthy and the Falcons will likely give him a "prove-it" deal in free agency which might be the best he can earn.
"Sean Weatherspoon is going to be an important part of building this defense and building this team," Dimitroff said, via The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "He has that side of him and that leadership that we need across the board. He's a guy that's really, really focused on his rehab. We need him back in this organization to help us go to another level. He's starting to move around."
There could be a lot of guys that get those type of contracts from the Falcons this offseason. Kroy Biermann would certainly like to return, but would likely be asked to take a pay cut as Atlanta has more pressing needs. Veterans like Dwight Lowery and Robert McClain will also await to find out their fate on a new and improved defense.
One player that is not getting a "prove-it" contract is Julio Jones. The wide receiver is expected to ink a long-term, high-paying deal this offseason as he prepares to enter the final year of his contract. Quinn made it very clear that Jones is a top priority for the team and is expected to remain in Atlanta.
"Absolutely - I can't wait (to meet him). Just a chance to go through the process with him. ... We love great players. We're trying to celebrate all the good guys. We're trying to collect more great players, not the other way around," Quinn said.
Quinn noted that Jones was one of the tougher matchups in the NFL and the Falcons wanted that on their side. The jury is still out on players like Steven Jackson, Antone Smith and Jacquizz Rodgers who could all depart and leave the run game to just Devonta Freeman. Quinn has plenty of work to do and it is only just beginning.