The Atlanta Falcons will get their first test of the season on Friday night as they prepare to take on the Tennessee Titans in the preseason. The team will get their first look at Dan Quinn as head coach along with several new additions to the team. Position battles have been a highlight of training camp so far and general manager Thomas Dimitroff will get a good look at where the roster is at and whether or not free agent signings are necessary. However, do not expect the Falcons to rush into a decision on that front.
Several big-named free agents remain on the open market and the Falcons have plenty of salary cap space to sign someone. However, Dimitroff is not ready to pull the trigger on a deal just yet. Atlanta has been linked to players like Ray Rice, Evan Mathis and now Aldon Smith, but Dimitroff does not see contracts being handed out any time soon.
According to Jeff Schultz of the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Dimitroff said he had no interest in any of the free agents at the moment. That can easily be translated into Dimitroff not wanting to deal with the media headaches, but if the Falcons had a big need for someone, they might take a look. The general manager certainly left the door open, but fans should not hold their breath on contracts.
For now, the team is very confident in the development of Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman despite their recent hamstring injuries that could leave them out of the first preseason game. Many would argue the biggest need in Atlanta is Mathis as the offensive line has been an area of concern thanks to injuries. The team has depth at linebackers to avoid the headache a contract to Smith would bring.
The Falcons released their first depth chart of the season and it certainly showed which players appear safe for now from roster cuts. Kemal Ishmael earned a top safety spot, pushing Ricardo Allen and Charles Godfrey down the line. He was considered a roster bubble player. Roddy White is a starter despite rumors that Justin Hardy could replace him. Ra'Shede Hageman is currently sitting on top of veteran Jonathan Babineaux. Given the injury history in Atlanta over the past few months, the team is likely thankful to have position battles rather than doubtful starters.
