The Atlanta Falcons have started the offseason making a few predictable moves to the roster. Releasing William Moore and Justin Durant came as no surprise, but many wonder if that is just the start of roster cuts for the franchise. The Falcons started the year with a lot of promise and ended the season with absolute disappointment and now head coach Dan Quinn is focused on improvement. The question is whether or not that includes Roddy White.
Team owner Arthur Blank told the media that he likes White and what the receiver has been to the franchise since getting drafted in the first round, but his fate is up to Quinn. Blank, Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff have remained complimentary of White, but also coy on whether or not he returns to the team next season with a $6 million salary cap hit. White has no interest in a pay cut which could determine a lot.
"When it comes to where Roddy is in the future, that's where the owner doesn't get involved. That's a decision that will be made by the coach, the coaching staff and personnel. When they're ready to do it, they'll do it. They're in the process of going through the roster evaluation now. They've had some discussions. They'll have more discussions," Blank said, via ESPN.com.
Regardless of whether White stays or goes, the Falcons need wide receiver depth. They need a more reliable No.2 player to run with Julio Jones in 2016. The team has unproved youth in Justin Hardy and Nick Williams while White can no longer be reliable in the spot. That will cause Atlanta to explore options in both free agency and the NFL Draft.
If the Falcons are willing to spend a little bit of money, the free agent market is loaded with No.2 receivers. Marvin Jones, Rishard Matthews, Travis Benjamin, Jermaine Kearse and now Riley Cooper are all available for the taking. None of those players are No.1 guys so their contract demands will not be too tough to handle, but they will command a little bit of change and the Falcons must weigh if it is worth it.
The NFL Draft could also have some talent. According to ESPN.com, the Falcons are poised to select a player at the position early. Braxton Miller made it known at the Senior Bowl that he wants to play in Atlanta next season. Josh Doctson could be an option in the second round along with Will Fuller from Notre Dame. The Falcons would be taking a risk selecting a rookie, but it gives them youth to build on in the future.
