Falcons Haven’t Closed Door On Re-Signing OLB O’Brien Schofield

Falcons HC Dan Quinn mentioned that they haven’t closed the door on possibly re-signing free agent OLB O’Brien Schofield.

“As far as opened or closed, it’s never closed with Scho,” Quinn said, via ESPN.com. “There’s never a time where we close it on a player that we’re connected with, if that makes sense. I’m not going to say we will sign him, but we’ll always have conversation because of our respect for him. Not only do I understand what he stands for as a ballplayer, I understand what he stands for as a man. That’s the big thing. So whether he’s here or not here, my connection with him is life-long. That’s why my feelings for him are so strong, and my respect for him is that way.”

Schofield recently told Vaughn McClure that he believes he could really help the Falcons, who have reportedly shown interest in re-signing him this offseason.

“You know I’ll bring 100 percent to that locker room and to the field,” Schofield told ESPN.com Tuesday. “And you know, without a shadow of a doubt, I would help that ballclub. I’m looking for a more dominant role as a nickel pass-rusher. I would have to be able to compete as the nickel rusher.”

McClure added that Schofield has “good” offers on the table from the Bears, Jaguars and Cowboys. Although, McClure isn’t sure if the Falcons have an offer still on the table for Schofield.

Schofield, 28, is a former fourth-round pick of the Cardinals back in 2010. He spent three years in Arizona before signing on with the Seahawks in 2013.

Schofield later followed Quinn to Atlanta and signed a one-year contract with the Falcons last year.

In 2015, Schofield appeared in all 16 games for the Falcons and recorded 29 tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 71 edge rusher out of 110 qualifying players.

We have him featured in our Best Available Free Agents list.