The Atlanta Falcons made some major moves for the 2013 offseason on Friday, released veteran players Michael Turner, John Abraham and Dunta Robinson so help free up salary cap spaces as they head into the free agency period.
According to ESPN.com, the team released the three veterans in expected moves that will save the team $16 million and put them under the cap with some flexibility. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Turner will save the team $6.4 million, Abraham will save $5.75 million and Robinson will save them $3.75 million, adding up to $15.9 million in cap flexibility.
The moves were expected since the players are all aging the team was close to the salary cap cut off and now the franchise can move towards the free agency period with money to spare. Rumors have already begun to circulate about where the Falcons could use the money, as ESPN.com is reporting that running back Steven Jackson and defensive end Dwight Freeney are the likely two top targets for the club.
Jackson would serve as a replacement to Michael Turner, who rushed for over 1,000 yards in three of his five seasons with the team. Freeney was recently informed by the Indianapolis Colts that they would not re-sign him and he would serve as a replacement to Abraham, who has nearly 70 sacks in seven seasons with the Falcons.
Turner has been the primary running back in Atlanta since coming over from the San Diego Chargers, but he was less effective last season and put up his lowest rushing total since joining the Falcons. He had 10 touchdowns in 16 games, but the team has put a focus on backup Jacquizz Rodgers, who has proven to be an explosive player over the past two seasons.
Jackson has been one of the most consistent running backs in the NFL since being drafted by the Rams, rushing for over 1,000 yards in eight straight seasons, including eight of nine overall. Last year he tied his lowest total with the Rams since being drafted by rushing for 1,042 yards and the team is planning to move to a younger player at the position for next season.
The Falcons also have their own free agents that they may want to take care of, including cornerback Brent Grimes, left tackle Sam Baker and safety William Moore, all of whom have been major contributors to the team over the past few years. Grimes suffered a season-ending injury earlier in the season, although he is still considered to be one of the top players at his position.
Baker has been a stalwart since being drafted by the team, while Moore has emerged as one of the top defenders for the Falcons. If the team hoped to resign one, two, or all three of those players, they needed to shed salary to get under the cap, which the releases enabled them to do. Before the moves were made, the team was expected to be about $5 million under the salary cap, a number that does not offer much flexibility.
