The Atlanta Falcons were close to the Super Bowl last season, losing to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game and after getting that close to New Orleans, the team is preparing for 2013 by releasing some veteran players, including longtime running back Michael Turner.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Flacons are preparing to release a number of veteran players, including Turner as well as cornerback Dunta Robinson and defensive end John Abraham. Turner and Abraham are two of the longest tenured players on the team, but both showed signs of aging last year and are cap casualties as the Falcons try to get under the salary cap by the NFL deadline.
Schefter wrote on Twitter: "@AdamSchefter: Major moves in ATL: Falcons are releasing CB Dunta Robinson, RB Michael Turner and DE John Abraham today ... Freeney time?"
Turner originally came to the team after four years as a backup to Ladanian Tomlinson in San Diego and rushed for over 1,000 yards in four of his five seasons in Atlanta. Last year he had his lowest rushing total at 800 yards despite playing in all 16 regular season games and he scored 10 touchdowns, his lowest since joining the franchise.
Abraham was one of the top defensive players for the Falcons over the past few years and he made 10.0 sacks last season while playing in all 16 games. He also added 35 tackles and six forced fumbles.
Robinson was one of the top cornerbacks for the Falcons after the team lost starter Brent Grimes to an injury and he made one interception last season while playing in all 16 games. He registered 67 tackles and had eight passes defended after coming over to the team three years ago from Houston.
All three players were big contributors to the Falcons and although the team won its first playoff game under head coach Mike Smith and quarterback Matt Ryan, the franchise was planning to make changes.
The team went 13-3 and had the top seed in the NFC playoffs. After defeating the Seattle Seahawks at home, the Falcons lost to the San Francisco 49ers, who went on to lose the Super Bowl to the Baltimore Ravens.
The team has shown interest in free agent defensive end Dwight Freeney and the Falcons could sign him to make up for the loss of Abraham.
