The Atlanta Falcons' 2013 season is essentially over. The team will not make the playoffs this season and the focus will begin to shift towards staying injury free and focusing on offseason adjustments. The team will likely get a very high draft pick, most experts have Atlanta selecting third or fourth overall, but before that adjustments must be made within the team. After Matt Ryan signed a hefty contract extension last summer, a pair of receivers are next on the list to get paid.
Roddy White saw his long streak of consistent starts officially broken this year after a high ankle sprain and hamstring problem forced him on the bench. White has certainly not had the season he was hoping for, but then again neither have the Falcons as a team. But, despite just having 209 yards in eight games played this season, his reputation has not soured with the team.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport is reporting that White and the Falcons will agree to a new contract extension before the receiver's contract expires at the end of next season. As of now, White will be a $6.3 million hit to the salary cap, something Atlanta would love to reduce. They intend to sign the veteran to a "reasonable" extension that will lighten his load against the team.
White has been a constant performer since the Falcons signed him in 2005. He has had six-straight seasons of recording over 1,000 yards receiving and has started every game each season up until this year. That long history of durability and performance have the Falcons pleased enough to keep him around.
Julio Jones will also be looking to get an extension in the offseason. Jones has done nothing but impress ever since the Falcons made the big draft-day move to get him in the first round. Currently out for the remainder of the year with a foot injury, Atlanta will likely try and negotiate and extension before his rookie contract expires.
Jones will earning a lot more than White. The receiver will be set to earn a top-dollar contract as he continues to establish himself as one of the best in the league. The Falcons will look to save as much money in other areas in order to get Jones a much deserved pay raise.
All leftover money will go towards the offensive line, or at the Falcons fans hope so. While everyone in the organization continues to stay positive, there will be serious rebuilding that gets done in the offseason. Owner Arthur Blank has voiced his confidence in Mike Smith and the team is prepared to move forward after a disappointing 2013.
