Erik Coleman Officially Released By Atlanta Falcons

What was rumored Tuesday became official Wednesday when safety Erik Coleman was released by the Atlanta Falcons, Jay Adams reports. The Falcons found themselves set at the safety position with Thomas DeCoud at free safety and William Moore at strong safety and rookie Shann Schillinger adding depth. This meant Coleman, who had started every game since 2008 before suffering an injury in Week 1 against Pittsburgh, was a very expensive backup. Coleman was set to count $3 million against the salary cap in 2011, according to Pat Yaskinsas, so the Falcons chose to cut the seven-year veteran loose.

In three seasons with the Falcons, Coleman amassed 229 tackles and caused seven turnovers. He'll be 29 in May so as long as there's a new Collective Bargaining Agreement he should find another team in need of his abilities but for now the Falcons will move forward with a younger, less expensive tandem in the defensive backfield.

Erik Coleman To Be Released By Atlanta Falcons, According To Report

Seven-year pro Erik Coleman has played his last game as an Atlanta Falcon, according to a report from NFL Network's Jason La Canfora. The report cites a league source saying Coleman is expected to be released by the team sometime Tuesday.

Coleman, who had one more year left on his deal, joined the Falcons in 2008 and started 34 conseucitve games before getting injured in the 2010 season opener against Pittsburgh. William Moore took over and never relinquished the job.

Coleman will be 29 this year and managed only 19 tackles in 12 games this season in a limited role. He was always considered a solid tackler but often found himself out of position in coverage situations. He'll no doubt latch on with another team but this move makes it clear the Falcons front office is confident with Moore, Thomas DeCoud and Shann Schillinger at the safety spots.