Written by Erik Slaby
Indianapolis, IN – Day One of the 2019 NFL Combine is an important day for NFL teams. NFL teams will be able to start evaluating draft prospects, for both their physical measurables and face-to-face with them for interviews in anything ranging from their football minds, or their past. Additionally, it’s an opportunity for teams to share updates on their offseason and anything else.
This offseason for the Atlanta Falcons has been littered with change and rampant speculation. Coaching staff changes, letting coaches go, coaches hired away and former coaches like Dirk Koetter and Mike Mularkey rehired. Not making the playoffs will definitely bring about changes for a team.
The same has gone for players as well this offseason and free agency hasn’t even begun yet. Veteran players like defensive end Brooks Reed and defensive back Robert Alford were released, along with longtime kicker Matt Bryant. But the Falcons also resigned a couple of players like cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson and guard Ty Sambrailo. Sambrailo started four games last season at guard and the Falcons signed him to a three-year $14.25 million contract. Head coach Dan Quinn stated that Sambrailo has the ability to start and will get the chance to start at guard next season.
“We certainly think that Ty has starting ability and he was one of the bright spots for us,” said Quinn. “When you had that moment to get going, he took advantage of it, he actually started games at tackle and at guard for us. He started the last game of the year at guard and earlier at tackle. So, he provided us some flexibility but yeah we definitely see Ty as a starter and the ability to do that.”
Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff seconded Quinn regarding Sambrailo and his upside as a potential future start on the offensive line.
“You know Ty, that was a really important signing on our part, in my mind, and Dan’s of course,” said Dimitroff. “We really believe he did a really good job when he was asked to step up and we continue to think that he will continue to do so. There’s no question in my mind that he has starter ability as well and it’s just a matter of how it all comes together.”
In addition to these resignings, Quinn revealed Tuesday night to ESPN that the fifth-year option for defensive end Vic Beasley would not be restructured. It had long been assumed by fans and media alike that based on his production, Beasley’s deal would be reworked to more cap-friendly number but that was not the case. Even though his deal has a cap hit of $12.8 million, it will all be worth it if he’ll be able to perform like he did back in 2016, when he had 15.5 sacks. Quinn stated that he would be having a more active role in Beasley’s development moving forward.
“If we just stay doing what we’re doing, we’ll probably get the same result,” said Quinn. “I’m very much looking forward to having a hands-on approach with him. I told him by the end of the spring, ‘You’re either going to love me or hate me, and I’m good with either because we’re going to put (the work) in.’”
Probably the most important resigning that the Falcons need to make this offseason is resigning star defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. Jarrett has been a key member of the defense since he was drafted back in 2015 and he’s developed into a fierce presence in the middle of the defensive line. Dimitroff expressed optimism that Falcons would be able to bring Jarrett back.
We’re working diligently on Grady Jarrett,” said Dimitroff. “Our focus right now is to continue the discussions and see where we go and hopefully we continue to move along well. Again, Grady’s a very important part to our football team and it’s important that he’s back.”
Dimitroff also stated that the franchise tag is an option for the Falcons to use, should both sides not be able to negotiate a deal before the start of free agency. Should the Falcons use the tag on Jarrett, they’ll have until July 15th to agree to a long-term deal.
“There’s so many ways to be creative, so whether myself and ultimately Todd France and CAA (Grady Jarrett’s agent) can come to an agreement, or not, I’m not going to get into specifics about it but of course, that is an option.”
