Over the last several weeks Atlanta Falcons fans have been eagerly anticipating the beginning of free agency on March 12, 2013. And after the recent release of three key starters, we knew general manager Thomas Dimitroff could have just enough cash to make a play for some new faces after re-signing his own.
With that, let's take a look at the Falcons rumored possibilities - starting with Steven Jackson.
As of March 7, 2013, Jackson had officially voided his contract with the St. Louis Rams in favor of assuming a role as a featured back with a title contender.
Jim Louis of the St. Louis Dispatch recently reported that the Atlanta Falcons are still regarded as the frontrunner for the veteran.
Jackson is currently coming of his eighth consecutive season rushing for 1000-plus yards and rushed for 4.4 yards per carry in 2012. He has
Next, a personal favorite, is the possibility that Atlanta could pursue the Bennett brothers.
Both players are set to hit free agency as unrestricted free agents, and both have expressed a desire to play together at the professional level.
"So it’s just one of those things, you never know what is going to happen," Said Martellus Bennett in late December of last year . "I would love to stay here, maybe even get him to come out here. But if not, we’re both looking to play together, at least for a couple years in the NFL like we did in college. I’ll try to get him to come here first, or whatever happens with him."
Since that time, Martellus Bennett has expressed that he is "not feeling the love" from the New York Giants organization and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have chosen not to use their franchise tag on Michael Bennett.
Osi Umenyiora has also been rumored as a potential favorite to replace John Abraham.
Umenyiora posted six sacks, two forced fumbles and 43 tackles in 2012 and has recently stated that he will win Defensive Player of the Year next season.
"I'm shooting for defensive player of the league this year," Umenyiora, a defensive end for the New York Giants since the team drafted him in 2003, wrote in an e-mail to USA TODAY Sports. "Whatever team I feel like I can help win and will give me a chance to do that, that's where I'm going. The money is a byproduct of that, you know."
Rumors have also emerged that Tony Gonzalez might be willing to return to the team for the right price and should he not have to participate in training camp.
Lastly, Jermichael Finely, Elvis Dumervil and Darrelle Revis have all been tied to the Falcons pending developments with their respective teams.
Free agency is set to officially begin March 12, 2013 at 4 p.m. eastern time.
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