The Falcons made yet another round of cuts today, releasing 17 players as they continue their quest to trim the roster down to the 53-player maximum by September 3.
The Falcons released or waived DE Chauncey Davis, LB Coy Wire, DT Trey Lewis, RB Gartrell Johnson, FB Lucas Cox, WR Brandyn Harvey, TE Marquez Branson, OG Paul Fenaroli, C Ryan McMahon, DE Tom McCarthy, DT Kiante Tripp, LB Bear Woods, CB Kamaal McIlwain, S Rafael Priest, and S Suaesi Tuimaunei. The team also reached an injury settlement with WR Andy Strickland.
Most notable among those cut today was Davis, who has been with the team since 2005. Davis had become a coachfavorite over the last few years, serving as a valuable contributor to the DE rotation employed by Mike Smith. His pricey $3.5M salary, however, is likely what led to his ultimate release.
Other notable names no longer attached to the Falcons are Wire and Lewis, both whom spent all last season on the 53-man roster. Wire actually surprises me, as he was both a special teams captain and considered a great locker room guy. However, with both Spencer Adkins and Robert James younger and more able, it might be better for the team in the end. As for Lewis, the team seems to be content rolling with Carlton Powell as the fifth defensive tackle.
Let's update Jason's nifty spreadsheet, shall we:
The team will still have to cut 10 more players in the next day or so to bring the roster down to 53 men. However, they can also sign eight players to the practice squad as soon as September 4. I wouldn't be surprised at all if guys like Woods, Tripp and McIlwain return as PS members. Stay tuned, folks.
For more on the Falcons, check out The Falcoholic.