5 Players the Atlanta Falcons Should Cut During 2016 Offseason

By Jacob Camenker

5 Players the Atlanta Falcons Should Cut During 2016 Offseason

Dan Quinn Atlanta Falcons Head Coach
Logan Bowles – USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Falcons suffered one of the most disappointing collapses of the NFL season after starting 5-0 and going on to miss the playoffs. For next season, the team needs to make some changes and they could be compelled to get rid of some veterans. With that in mind, here’s a look at five players the Falcons should consider getting rid of in the 2016 offseason.

5. LB Brooks Reed

Brooks Reed Atlanta Falcons Linebacker
Kim Klement – USA TODAY Sports

5. LB Brooks Reed

Brooks Reed Atlanta Falcons Linebacker
Kim Klement – USA TODAY Sports

The Falcons just signed Reed to a lucrative deal last season, but he hasn’t been productive at all, notching only eight tackles on the season. The team could elect to part ways with him as they have some other strong starters at linebacker, and Reed could end up being a cap casualty.

4. KR Eric Weems

Eric Weems Atlanta Falcons Wide Receiver
Derick E. Hingle – USA TODAY Sports

4. KR Eric Weems

Eric Weems Atlanta Falcons Wide Receiver
Derick E. Hingle – USA TODAY Sports

The Falcons have two receivers who double as kick returners in Eric Weems and Devin Hester. Hester is better than Weems, and the team should really look to add a better receiver to their offense. Weems could end up being cut, because he is an older, mediocre receiver who is redundant as long as the Falcons have Hester. He’ll likely be looking for work shortly into the 2016 offseason.

3. DT Jonathan Babineaux

Jonathan Babineaux Atlanta Falcons Defensive Tackle
Jason Getz – USA TODAY Sports

3. DT Jonathan Babineaux

Jonathan Babineaux Atlanta Falcons Defensive Tackle
Jason Getz – USA TODAY Sports

Jonathan Babineaux has had a great career with the Falcons, but the fact of the matter is that he is 34 and his best days are behind him. The Falcons should look to add younger talent at the position and could give fifth-round pick Grady Jarrett a chance to start next season. Babineaux likely won’t be back with the Falcons regardless of what happens.

2. OG Andy Levitre

Andy Levitre Atlanta Falcons Offensive Guard
Kyle Terada – USA TODAY Sports

2. OG Andy Levitre

Andy Levitre Atlanta Falcons Offensive Guard
Kyle Terada – USA TODAY Sports

The Falcons acquired Levitre in the offseason to upgrade their offensive line. While he wasn’t too bad for the team, he is simply too expensive to keep around long term. The Falcons will likely try to save some money and get rid of Levitre in the offseason. They could find an upgrade at guard in the mid-rounds of the 2016 NFL Draft.

1. WR Roddy White

Roddy White Atlanta Falcons Wide Receiver
Kim Klement – USA TODAY Sports

1. WR Roddy White

Roddy White Atlanta Falcons Wide Receiver
Kim Klement – USA TODAY Sports

This will be a tough pill for Falcons fans to swallow. White has been a major part of the Falcons’ offense for years, but he finally regressed this season. He cannot be a No. 2 receiver for the team anymore, and the Falcons may decide not to pay him like one. White could ultimately be cut by the team and forced into retirement, much like Michael Turner was a couple of years ago.

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