Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com takes a look at a few potential free agent targets for the Atlanta Falcons during free agency.
Branden Albert
McClure writes that “it was only natural for someone to link [Branden] Albert and the Falcons immediately after Scott Pioli was hired as the assistant general manager under [Thomas] Dimitroff.”
McClure mentions that Pioli, while serving as the Chiefs GM, tried to lock Albert up to a long-term contract before he was ultimately replaced.
Albert, a University of Virginia product, has spent the past five seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs and played the 2013 season under the Chiefs’ franchise tag. Kansas City drafted Eric Fisher No. 1 overall and appear to be unlikely to use their franchise designation on him again in 2014 given that it comes with a 20 percent increase.
He figures to be one of the most sought after left tackles available in the free agent market, which could prove to be an inhibiting factor for the Falcons as they are not projected to have a ton of cap space as things stand right now, according to Overthecap.com.
We have him listed as the No. 30 player in our Top 50 Free Agents list.
Willie Colon
There is no question that the Falcons need to find both offensive and defensive line help this offseason.
According to McClure, Jets OL Willie Colon could be one name to pay attention to in the coming months. McClure points out that new offensive line coach Mike Tice actually “lobbied hard” hard for the Bears to sign Colon a few years ago while serving as their offensive line coach.
Colon never signed with Chicago, despite the fact that they offered him an additional $3 million.
McClure adds that the Colon’s recent biceps surgery could impact his overall asking price and leave him as one of the better values in free agency.
Looking for the latest NFL Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow NFL Trade Rumors on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NFL News and Rumors for all 32 teams!
