The Atlanta Falcons plan on targeting a lot of big names in free agency, the question becomes whether or not they will be able to get their hands on them before former teams re-sign players. The Falcons could have to do some serious adjusting to their plans if the weekend sees a lot of players getting contract extensions rather than hitting the free agent market. With rebuilding in mind, who are Plan B players for Atlanta?
The Falcons are already doing adjusting to their plans at tight end. The team needs someone to place alongside Levine Toilolo in 2015. While Toilolo's size makes him a good red zone threat, the tight end has struggled with drops that make him simply unreliable entering the new year. According to ESPN's Vaughn McClure, the Falcons liked what they saw in tight end Niles Paul from the Washington Redskins. However, the Redskisn liked him too and announced a three-year contract extension to back up Jordan Reed.
That takes the team to Plan B. The Falcons will continue to be linked to Jordan Cameron considering his connection with Kyle Shanahan. The two worked together in Cleveland and could reunite in Atlanta. Cameron has injuries, but at this point there is not a tight end on the market who does not. Atlanta could look at Owen Daniels, but he has had his share of surgeries lately too. Atlanta likely does not look at Julius Thomas simply for cost reasons.
Thomas is not expected to be an Atlanta target and neither is Vince Wilfork who confirmed he is not being re-signed by the New England Patriots. Yes, Wilfork is an excellent run-stopper. He is a solid leader. However, he is adding and will not come cheap. The Falcons need big defensive tackles, but will remain committed to Jonathan Babieneaux, Ra'Shede Hageman and potentially Corey Peters.
One player likely sticking around is Sean Weatherspoon. McClure reported early Friday that a contract with the linebacker is expected to be finalized sometime within the weekend. Head coach Dan Quinn has remained very complimentary of Weatherspoon and his ability to fit in the system for Atlanta. If Weatherspoon returns, Kroy Biermann likely will not.
TheFalcoholic.com also lists off other Plan B options for the Falcons. Arthur Moats of the Steelers and Brandon Graham of the Eagles could be targets. The team is being linked to both Devin McCourty and Byron Maxwell while a reunion with Curtis Lofton could also be an option.