Atlanta Falcons Begin Rebuilding Process, Alge Crumpler Among Six Players Released

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL

With the free agent signing period approaching, you’ll see teams releasing players here and there. Yesterday, the Atlanta Falcons took it to a new level, unloading six players in a major rebuilding effort. Gone are four-time Pro Bowl tight end Alge Crumpler, quarterback Byron Leftwich, defensive tackle Rod Coleman, offensive tackle Wayne Gandy, cornerback Lewis Sanders, wide receiver Jamin Elliott and linebacker Marcus Wilkins. In the NFL, it’s all about “what have you done for me lately.”

For the most part, I agree with these decisions. Alge Crumpler had the be the most difficult decision for Atlanta. He was one of the team’s most respected players and a leader in the locker room. He twice led the Falcons in receptions and had a streak of four straight Pro Bowl appearances from 2003-06. But he was plagued by knee problems this past season and dropped off to 44 receptions. Of course, you also have to factor in that the Falcons really weren’t very good. Anyway, he counted $5.1 million against the salary cap for 2008, money the Falcons felt could be better spent elsewhere.

As for the other guys, look at their ages. Rod Coleman used to be one of the NFL’s most dominating interior linemen, but the years take their toll. This is the reality of playing professional sports. Rod’s been in the league nine years now. He’ll be 32 this year. Wayne Gandy is 37-years-old. And Lewis Sanders will be 30 years old.

I felt that Byron Leftwich could have remained on this team as a backup QB. Injuries have obviously slowed him over the years. He was cut by Jacksonville so David Garrard could pursue his blossoming career. I don’t know the extent of his health problems, but apparently they were too much for the Falcons to handle. Byron’s still young enough that if he can get it together physically, he’ll be able to resurrect his career somewhere else.