Falcons Release: DE John Abraham, RB Michael Turner, CB Dunta Robinson.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Atlanta Falcons have parted ways DE John Abraham, RB Michael Turner and CB Dunta Robinson on Friday.

There have been rumors for a few months not that all of these players could be released in order to free up more cap space. The Falcons will save $21.4 million in real savings, and create $18.7 million in cap space.

Michael Turner

Turner, 31, has seen his overall production dip in recent years to the point where he was averaging 3.6 yards per carry. He had a $6.9 million base salary coming his way, so it makes sense that they would move in another direction.

Atlanta seems to be focused on finding an upgrade to pair with Jacquizz Rodgers next season and there’s been some speculation that they could be a landing spot for Steven Jackson.

John Abraham

The Falcons re-signed Abraham to a three-year, $21 million contract last year, so this move is at least somewhat surprising.

Abraham, 34, had a $4.25 million base salary coming his way this season and counted $7.25 million against the team’s salary cap.

He finished the 2012 season with 10 sacks and was clearly the team’s best pass rusher, despite his age. There’s been some talk that Dwight Freeney and Osi Umenyiora could be free agent options for them to pursue in the next few weeks, so we’ll have to see if anything comes of these suggestions.

Dunta Robinson

Robinson, 30, received a pretty large contract extension a few years ago when the Falcons handed him a six-year deal worth $57 million. He had an $8 million base salary coming his way in 2013 and counted $9 million against the Falcons’ salary cap.

He struggled mightily in coverage last season as Pro Football Focus rated him No. 102 out 113 qualifying players in that department.

He should still be able to catch on somewhere, but at a much reduced price.