As predicted, the Atlanta Falcons have made a huge splash this NFL free agency period which started today at 4:00 pm ET. So far, the Falcons have cut safety Thomas Decoud, tight end Tony Gonzalez, resigned defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux and offensive lineman Joe Hawley, and added defensive tackle Paul Soliai (Dolphins), offensive guard Jon Asamoah (Cheifs), and defensive end Tyson Jackson (Chiefs).
Former Dolphin Paul Soliai will most likely start over Corey Peters next season and lineup next to Jonathan Babieanux on the Falcons defensive front. Soliai was signed by Atlanta ealier today and that deal is worth $33 million over five years.
Coming along with new assistant general manager Scott Pioli (who was hired at the beginning off the year) is offensive guard Jon Asamoah and defensive end Tyson Jackson.
Jon Asamoah's new contract isn't certain yet and the Tyson Jackson signing is reported to be $25 million over 5 five years.
"We are pleased to add Paul, Tyson and Jon to our roster," Falcons coach Mike Smith said in a statement. "Paul has played for coach Nolan in Miami and is familiar with our scheme, and Tyson is a good football player that will fit with what we want to do defensively as well. Jon is a physical, experienced offensive lineman that will add a veteran presence to our offensive line."
Along with the three new signings, there have been two resignings in Jonathan Babineaux and Joe Hawley. The long-time veteran Babineaux has is coming back for three more years. Hawley's new deal is a year short of Babineaux's. The Falcons reported he has been signed for two years.
The first to be released was pro bowler Thomas Decoud and the Falcons will be on the lookout for a new free safety.
"The search for a safety that will help us in our quest to be a more established and consistent defense was at the forefront of this decision," Dimitroff said.
Other Falcons free agents are cornerbacks Robert McClain and Dominique Franks, offensive linemen Sean Locklear and Jeremy Trueblood, defensive tackle Peria Jerry, tight end Chase Coffman, and linebacker Omar Gaither.
Former Dolphin Paul Soliai will most likely start over Corey Peters next season and lineup next to Jonathan Babieanux on the Falcons defensive front. Soliai was signed by Atlanta ealier today and that deal is worth $33 million over five years.
Coming along with new assistant general manager Scott Pioli (who was hired at the beginning off the year) is offensive guard Jon Asamoah and defensive end Tyson Jackson.
Jon Asamoah's new contract isn't certain yet and the Tyson Jackson signing is reported to be $25 million over 5 five years.
"We are pleased to add Paul, Tyson and Jon to our roster," Falcons coach Mike Smith said in a statement. "Paul has played for coach Nolan in Miami and is familiar with our scheme, and Tyson is a good football player that will fit with what we want to do defensively as well. Jon is a physical, experienced offensive lineman that will add a veteran presence to our offensive line."
Along with the three new signings, there have been two resignings in Jonathan Babineaux and Joe Hawley. The long-time veteran Babineaux has is coming back for three more years. Hawley's new deal is a year short of Babineaux's. The Falcons reported he has been signed for two years.
The first to be released was pro bowler Thomas Decoud and the Falcons will be on the lookout for a new free safety.
"The search for a safety that will help us in our quest to be a more established and consistent defense was at the forefront of this decision," Dimitroff said.
Other Falcons free agents are cornerbacks Robert McClain and Dominique Franks, offensive linemen Sean Locklear and Jeremy Trueblood, defensive tackle Peria Jerry, tight end Chase Coffman, and linebacker Omar Gaither.