Roddy White has played his entire career with the Atlanta Falcons. The veteran receiver signed a three-year contract extension that was supposed to ensure his career would start and end with the Falcons. However, the veteran has not had the year he was hoping to have and while he did improve late in the year, it might not be enough to stick around. White is making it clear he wants to return in 2016.
White is signed through the 2017 season while being due a reasonable $2.75 million next year with a cap hit of $6 million. That is manageable for the Falcons, but White understands that the NFL is a business and he does not get to decide his fate with the franchise. After low numbers this season, the receiver is making it clear he is hoping to stay put.
"I have no idea how next year's going to be," White said, via ESPN.com. "I have no idea. I'm just going to take it in and try to finish as strong as possible, get myself ready to go for next year. Whatever happens after that, happens. I plan on being a Falcon forever. That's what they told me. That's where my heart is. That's where my mind's at."
White is no longer the face of the franchise. That title goes to Julio Jones who has taken over as the No.1 guy, but White has been a serviceable No.2 over the past few years. Considering his leadership and loyalty to the franchise, it is hard to see White playing anywhere else. The bigger question is whether or not Justin Hardy or Nick Williams can step up to replace him.
The Atlanta Falcons have nothing left to play for, but the team is hopeful to end the season on a high note as they prepare to face their top rival in the New Orleans Saints. The Falcons have some momentum after upsetting the Carolina Panthers, but injuries could play some issues for the team in Week 17.
According to head coach Dan Quinn via Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com, Ryan is expected to play in the season finale after getting banged up against the Panthers. The quarterback suffered a rib and hip injury after taking plenty of hits in Week 16. However, the quarterback is not expected to be limited in practice and will play against the Saints. Ryan says he is sore, but fine.
"He got a good shot on my hip (and) that kind of side area," Ryan said, via ESPN.com. "But I'm feeling good now. I'm feeling a lot better than I was Sunday and (will) be ready to roll tomorrow for practice. It was, obviously, a play that you have to make, right? In a third-down situation, to be able to extend the play and to move the chains with your feet is important, at times. I was close enough to the end zone at that point and had a free enough lane to just keep going."
One player not likely to take the field is rookie Tevin Coleman who suffered a concussion while slipping in the shower. Devonta Freeman is on the verge of a record-breaking season, but the Falcons want Coleman to get more game time in preparation for next season. The rookie did not practice Thursday as he joins Eric Weems under concussion protocol. Both players could miss Week 17 play.
