Report: Falcons set to release safety Thomas DeCoud
Posted by Curtis Crabtree on February 25, 2014, 10:49 PM EST
Atlanta Falcons v Tampa Bay Buccaneers Getty Images

The Atlanta Falcons appear set to move on from one of their most consistent defenders over the last several seasons.

According to Adam Caplan of ESPN.com, the Falcons are expected to release safety Thomas DeCoud prior to March 15, which is the fourth day of the new league year.

DeCoud has played in all but one game for the Falcons over the last five seasons. DeCoud earned a trip to the Pro Bowl in 2012 with 76 tackles and six interceptions. However, last season was statistically his worst in the league since assuming a starting role in 2009. DeCoud failed to record an interception and posted just 65 tackles, his fewest as a starter.

The move will free up $3 million in cap space for the Falcons. The move would leave William Moore as the only safety with significant experience on Atlanta’s roster. DeCoud’s release will likely force the Falcons to look for a replacement in free agency or the draft.

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I found this in Yahoo Sports. He has been a decent cover Safety; He's 28 years old and I think, healthy. And he shouldn't be too expensive.

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PFT 



Doubt it would happen. Last thing we need is another guy with injuries, and Ted doesn't like FAs over 30.

Still, could be a veteran stopgap if healthy.

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Champ Bailey says he’d be open to playing safety

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Do we want a player that doesn't know the defense and graded out #83 of 86 last year at the position? Not sure how that is a solution for anything.

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Hard to believe he graded out that bad. They used to say, Bailey had bad numbers because teams simply didn't throw in his direction.

I don't think he is a solution for the Packers, though. He will still be fairly expensive - half or more what he got last year, and it would seem better to get a true Safety or converting one of the Corners we already have.

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Champ Bailey was injured most of the year. He only played 193 regular season snaps.

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Denver's entire defense was bad in the Super Bowl, but a highlight reel could be dedicated to Champ Bailey alone. He was once a great and should now hang it up. Saying he will play safety is a desperation move on his part and while the Packers are in desperate need at that position, he certainly isn't the answer.

It would be another square peg in a round hole solution.

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