Veterans leaving...

RB Michael Turner (33): Photo/Kevin C. Cox

The Atlanta Falcons announced today that they have parted ways with  three starting players: RB Michael Turner, DE John Abraham, and CB Dunta Robinson. Turner was signed by the Falcons in 2008, Abraham in 2006, and Robinson in 2010. All three guys are stand up players that have had a good face for the team and city. The only plunders was after a win versus the Denver Broncos this past season, Turner was arrested on a DUI charge, and a week later Abraham was drunk in public and was impeding on police at his high rise apartment complex as police were called to the scene of a woman threatening to jump. Overall with these cuts, the Falcons are saving $15.9 million and are now roughly $18 million under the 2013 $123 million salary cap.

DE John Abraham (55): Photo/Kevin C. Cox

With these releases, this opens up the door to resign S William Moore, add a couple DE's in the draft or free agency, promote or sign a new corner via draft or free agency as well, and add a RB to compliment RB Jacquizz Rodgers. Also, I know GM Thomas Dimitroff has eyes on what TE Tony Gonzalez is going to do. My take, the Falcons need to look at grooming a new TE for the future, and if Gonzalez returns, great, if not, he was an awesome player for the Falcons and will be missed. Another contract that comes to mind is starting QB Matt Ryan. Team already trying to look at signing him to a lucrative deal with his contract up at the end of this upcoming season. So all in all, the Falcons want to get younger and there will be a lot of new faces sporting the red and black come 2013.  Don't forget to follow me on twitter @makirkley.

CB Dunta Robinson (23): Photo/Reuters

Mark A. Kirkley: twitter @makirkley
Devoted husband and father of Team Kirkley. God and family are #1 in my life.
Academic Librarian/Cobb Game Day Magazine Contributor/Sports Writer/Sports Blogger. "Your thoughts are better organized when they are written."