Dan Quinn addressed the media at the NFL combine in Indianapolis and spoke on several intriguing topics. The most important of which revolves around pending free agents Grady Jarrett and Tevin Coleman.
The entire organization has made it crystal clear that Grady Jarrett is their top priority this offseason. They plan to agree to a long-term deal with their star defensive tackle, but if they can’t do so by next Tuesday, Quinn says the franchise tag is in play.
Dan Quinn confirmed the franchise tag is on the table for Grady Jarrett if a deal can’t be reached by next Tuesday. And obviously, that would be a formality that would give the sides more time to reach an agreement.
— Jason Butt (@JasonHButt) February 27, 2019
That franchise tag is expected to more than $14 million for 2019 and will give the two parties some more time to discuss a lucrative contract extension.
On Tevin Coleman, the news from Quinn was much more somber.
Dan Quinn tells the media at the NFL combine that he has a lot of respect for RB Tevin Coleman but said the business side will play out with Coleman’s status. Coleman will be a free agent and expected to move on.
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) February 27, 2019
Coleman has long been the lightning to Devonta Freeman’s thunder, creating one of the most intimidating running back duos in the NFL. He’s known for his explosive plays as well as being a maestro at receiving out of the backfield.
In 2018, Coleman was given the opportunity to start in fourteen games because of Devonta Freeman’s litany of injuries, carrying the ball 167 times for 800 yards and four touchdowns. With the Falcons moving on, Quinn expects Ito Smith to step up and play an integral role in 2019.
Dan Quinn says Ito Smith “responded” to his opportunities last season. Calls him “a slasher.” He’s anticipating a significant increase in looks next year #Falcons
— William McFadden (@willmcfadden) February 27, 2019
Smith was forced into a much more significant role as a rookie than the Falcons ever expected due to Freeman’s injuries. He ran the ball 90 times for 315 yards and four touchdowns, showing an incredible ability to get in and out of tight spaces.
Quinn also reiterated the news that Vaughn Mcclure reported last night regarding Vic Beasley and that he believes Ty Sambrailo is a starter going forward.
The Falcons not only plan on retaining Beasley but keeping him at his current 2019 cap number of $12.81 million. They view Sambrailo as a starting option at both offensive tackle and guard this upcoming season.