Falcons part ways with Finneran, Williams
Falcons wide receiver Brian Finneran puts a move on Carolina cornerback C.J. Wilson, picking up first down yardage with Panthers head coach John Fox looking on during 1st half action. Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com
The Falcons do not plan to re-sign wide receiver Brian Finneran and cornerback Brian Williams, according to their agents.
Representatives from the team had conversations with agents Glenn Schwartzman and Jordan Feagan during the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis.
However, the team did leave the door open for the players to return to the team once the labor situation is resolved.
“They know what he’s meant in their locker room, but they felt they wanted to give some of the younger receivers a chance to step up,” Schwartzman said.
Finneran, who turned 35 in January, has been with the Falcons since 2000. He played in all 17 games last season and made one start.
Over 11 seasons, he caught 236 passes for 3,072 yards and 19 touchdowns. He battled back from a severe knee injury that forced him to miss the 2006 and 2007 seasons.
He has been credited with helping with the development of All Pro wide receiver Roddy White.
Williams, who will turn 32 in July, was the team’s third cornerback for most of last season. He’s battled knee injuries over the last two seasons.
The team does not comment about personnel decisions.
However, in an exclusive interview with the AJC, head coach Mike Smith talked about the team creating more explosive plays on offense next season.
He also said that he expects wide receivers Harry Douglas, Kerry Meier and Eric Weems to have increased roles in the offense.
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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134 comments Add your comment
GEORGIA97
March 2nd, 2011
8:09 am
Kris Durham from UGA would be a nice replacement for Finneran.
dean
March 2nd, 2011
8:10 am
Good luck Brian. You’re going to be successful in whatever you chose to do after football.
To my “Brothers” who posted earlier, Semper Fidelis.
Preacherskid
March 2nd, 2011
8:13 am
I hate to see them go but it’s not really a surprise. Finn and Williams have both been plagued with injuries and even though that’s not their fault you can’t keep paying for guys to stay injured. I think the Falcons see that Kerry Meir kid as a potential replacement for Finn although he’s injured too. I personally would love to see them take a receiver somewhere in this draft, a burner would be great someone that can take some of the pressure off of Roddy and then let Jenkins fill Finnerans role as a possesion receiver. Jenkins is not a true #2.,
yeahsure
March 2nd, 2011
8:13 am
I’m a fan of Finn but anyone could have seen this coming. TD wants to make this team faster. Besides, it’s not the Patriots way to hold on to aging players.
That’s pretty interesting about Smitty not mentioning Jenks. Richardo Lockette = 27th pick?
gt
March 2nd, 2011
8:15 am
11 years for any receiver in the NFL is pretty good. I imagine the Falcons will be going for a tall possession receiver in the late first day or second day in the draft. They must have looked out there and decided they have a handful this year to choice from. I could see that kid from Georgia, Durham being this guy. Smart, coach-able, tough, very much like Fin. There is a small trend towards these kind of guys, New England does well with them,which I imagine is our blueprint.
mrzizzle
March 2nd, 2011
8:16 am
Brian Williams hurt the Falcons with the Injury late last year. Chris Owens got torched! Williams seems to have durability issues that are FLAT OUT not helping the Falcons improve depth in pass coverage. Hope there is a serviceable DB to be found on the FA market.
Batman
March 2nd, 2011
8:21 am
Hey Finn – thanks!
Ron "CHOKE" Mexico
March 2nd, 2011
8:23 am
Good Luck Finn,
Williams, you missed Brees one too many times, then hurt your knee, done.
Ron "CHOKE" Mexico
March 2nd, 2011
8:28 am
So falcons have released a safety, corner, and WR. so we need to fill those either from practice squad, FA, or draft. Finn release makes room for Meier to return, if they draft a WR, who gets cut. There’s’s a safety on the practice squad, kid from south carolina I believe. So do Falcons take a CB, DE, or WR, or maybe OL with first pick? I think it depends on who falls to them at 27.
Falcon_4_Life
March 2nd, 2011
8:31 am
Call me a sap, but I always pointed out B Fin to my two young teenage boys. Using him as an example for how hard work pays off. I truly hope B Fin sees or hears about some of these post. He was a total class act and I do hope the Falcons bring him back as a coach, or front office if he wants. Wish more of the players where like him and less “SHOW ME THE MONEY!!!” I never begrudge anyone for getting what they can get, but often the player could show so much more class when going about it!!!!!!!!
Go Falcons!!!!!! B Fin you will be missed, in the locker room and on the field.
joewhite
March 2nd, 2011
8:35 am
I am sorry that we lost finn and williams but I understand the business.Finn was getting old and we need to get younger more athletic at wr, williams is good when he is not hurt but he stays hurt more than on the feild we have to get younger at cb. But there is no on de in the draft that is coming in and ready to play in the nfl right now, our best be to get a de ready to help now is in fa, and then we can go to the draft to get other parts of this pie so finish baking.
Falcon_4_Life
March 2nd, 2011
8:35 am
Ron Mexico,
I truly believe, they are going to take, best player available between, LOT or DE.
If someone fell like Julio Jones (Bama) Or (AJ Green) OR one of the 2 best CB then yea we would take them, but they are not falling to us!!!!!! So I believe, we are going to sit and wait like last year when TD knew we would have one of 4 or 5 guys fall to us, Marquis Pouncey, one of the DE, or Spoon.
Mike Jay
March 2nd, 2011
8:37 am
llacons are big on Schlessinger (sp?), the safty from Montana. He played good on ST last season and I see them expanding his role a little. Weir is to take over as the possesion reciever I would guess. They still will draft a speedy WR i think, juts not with a high pick. I would imagine they grab one in FA for some immediate help, they are already pretty young at the position. They will get a lineman for each side of the ball early and probably a CB.
Finn will make a good coach if he chooses some day. He wasn;t bad on the radio when he was hurt either. Damn good Falcon, been a pleasure watching him.
Forever-Finn
March 2nd, 2011
8:51 am
So I’m at the Home Depot in F-Branch, prob 2 wks till Christmas. standing in the aisle looking for lights…look up and see B-FINN searching for lights as well…standing beside me. It was the Mon after the away Tampa game (was a brutal game that went down to literally the last play, very tough/physical game) B-FINN took time to sign an autograph for my son, and we just stood there talking about the game, the season, and fball in gen…I walked away feeling as if I had just made a friend, like he genuinely appreciated hearing from a no name fan bugging him as he shopped. I can’t say when the last time I’ve felt that way about one of my REAL friends, much less a professional fball player. The world would be a better place if there were more B-FINN-s in it. Falcons have just made a HUGE mistake, plenty of tough, hardnosed ball left in that 6′ 5″ frame!! I will instantly become a fan of whatever team is lucky enough to pick him up…you will be missed my man! Thank you for making ATL fans proud for the past decade!!
joe
March 2nd, 2011
8:54 am
I would not take bralon edwards,he drops to many balls.
jerry
March 2nd, 2011
8:54 am
How about cutting some of those linebackers who can’t get to the quarterback on a blitz?
K Falcon
March 2nd, 2011
8:55 am
I love it when Saints fans come on to the Falcons blogs and continually remind us of what low class trash they are. Worst fans I have ever encountered at the dome. Most other teams fans are fun to jaw with. Saints fans, just trash.
DC Dirty Bird
March 2nd, 2011
9:01 am
Tom Ace, “classless”? Really? So now my team is classless for releasing a fan favorite who no longer fits in the teams on field future? Please! These are the right moves although I’m a little surprised that we didn’t see Norwood’s name on the list. Maybe he’s a free agent after this week.
Falcon Fan
March 2nd, 2011
9:06 am
The door is still open after the Labor BS is solved….Labor will up your tickets and etc..So they may be back!
BFINN
March 2nd, 2011
9:14 am
Hey guys this is Finn. I just wanted to say thanks for all the nice and honest comments. I rarely come on these blogs but I thought I would check it out today. I want to thank all the fans for their support over the last 11 years. I am disappointed but understand the business and I can’t thank the falcons ownership, coaches and management enough for everything over these last 11 years. It was a good run. Go Falcons!!!
D man
March 2nd, 2011
9:16 am
Finn was one of my favorite Falcons. I’ll miss you buddy… ;(
Savannah Seer
March 2nd, 2011
9:17 am
How about putting Finn in the Falcon Ring of Honor. He has given everything he had to this team, including both knees! Team player worthy of respect and this honor!
Tmanunion
March 2nd, 2011
9:20 am
Finneran should have gone at least 2 years ago. Even when he catches the ball which is rarely there are no yards after catch.
BirdDirty
March 2nd, 2011
9:22 am
It’s about time. Finneran has been stealing money for the last 4 years.
Mike Jay
March 2nd, 2011
9:22 am
If that really was Finn who just posted that is pretty cool. If it is….No sir, Thank you for your toughness, effort and good example you set. Cheering for you is easy and you will be missed. Good luck wherever your road takes you. I got a feeling we will be seeing you around in the future.
Tom Ace
March 2nd, 2011
9:24 am
@ dc falcons fan…Getting rid of Williams was the right move, but showing no loyalty to a proven veteran like Finn just stinks. Falcons have no depth at WR ( or any other position for that matter), so why would make you this move now?
BIG B
March 2nd, 2011
9:28 am
TIME TO MOVE ON SORRY THEY HAVE TO GO DO NOT FORGET NORWOOD HE HAS TO GO.
Mike Jay
March 2nd, 2011
9:30 am
Finn made barely 1 mill. last season. about avg for a #4 WR who excells on ST. Add his locker room prescence and willingness to teach the young WR the right way and I call that a bargain. Before that he avg around 2 mill aseason for his 4 year contract prior to the one year deal he got last season. Not out of line and hardly stealing money.
BirdDirty
March 2nd, 2011
9:33 am
“He’s been credited with the development of Roddy White” That’s B.S.!! Remember Joe Horn? Roddy took off the same year he signed with Atl. (2007). Roddy on numerous occassions has said that Joe Horn taught him how to practice and be a professional. Don’t try to make Finneran out to be more than what he is.
GT GRAD
March 2nd, 2011
9:35 am
I have been a big Finneran fan for several years……….thanks and I hope Brian has a great life after his tenure with the Falcons!
1911A1
March 2nd, 2011
9:40 am
Finn, thanks for all the great years. Hope to find you in a broadcast booth somewhere soon.
Sid
March 2nd, 2011
9:50 am
Don’t feed the trolls
Dan
March 2nd, 2011
9:50 am
@BirdDirty Joe Horn??? really??? the wr who became famous for a silly endzone prank, as far as knowledge of the game, respect for the game, understanding how to make the most of your skills, Finn has forgotten more than Horn ever knew. Talk about making someone out to be more than he is Joe Horn was a poster child for that
Dan
March 2nd, 2011
9:53 am
They don’t need a tall possesion reciever, both Gonazalez and White can do those things. They need a break away guy, who once they get behind the d won’t be caught
Falconsnut
March 2nd, 2011
9:55 am
On 3rd and 4 I’d rather have Finn than anyone to go to. He will be missed. I too met him at several events and he was always nice and polite. Hope he can stay on in some capacity with the organization. Thanks Finn.
North always beat the south
March 2nd, 2011
9:56 am
Age catch up to all of us good luck to you MR Finneran and thank you
notredameacademy fan
March 2nd, 2011
10:03 am
bad move on the falcons part-should keep fin on
notredameacademy fan
March 2nd, 2011
10:04 am
Enter your comments here
tjhook
March 2nd, 2011
10:04 am
SeenB4, we may have had a slow receiver, but I couldn’t tell if that was the New Orleans’ running backs collection or the stand-ins from The Little Rascals movie
ED
March 2nd, 2011
10:09 am
Finneran was my favorite player on the team. They didn’t use him enough. The Falcons would always call his number in 3rd and long plays and he would come through. Class act, Great player. Whose going to make the pressure plays now?
Greedy Goon
March 2nd, 2011
10:12 am
Who is really stupid enough to buy tickets at outrageous prices to have these greedy goon extortonist owners and players rip you off? Not me!!!!
JeanE
March 2nd, 2011
10:15 am
I am beyond sad. My favorite player since he came he and I said to myself, “Who’s that tall white guy Chandler’s throwing to?!” A class act, team leader, awesome receiver with fly-paper hands…Brian Finneran will NEVER be replaced. I don’t care how good Kerry Meier is, he ‘aint Finn!!!! I think this is a big mistake. You can never ever underestimate his influence on this team, he will be very sorely missed. He’s said he doesn’t want to coach right now while his kids are young. He wants to be able to see them grow up. I will proudly continue to wear my #86 jersey to every Falcon’s game I attend. We love you Finn!!!! I root for Villanova because of you!
Jean E.
Reggie
March 2nd, 2011
10:17 am
They should have been gotten rid of both these players last year. The Falcons have to learn how to part ways with “Unproductive” players. Another player that needs to go is “Michael Butterfinger Jenkins.”
Austin Thomas
March 2nd, 2011
10:17 am
The NFL is still a business not trying to keep everybody happy. Finneran was aging and slow. Williams always missed tackles and is slow. Brent Grimes must be next he awlaws gets pushed and shoved around like a little kid. Now we have to trade the bust Jamal Anderson to a 3-4 team for a mid round draft pick. Sign Ray Edward for your 7 -10 sacks.
Strange Brew
March 2nd, 2011
10:18 am
Sorry to see FINN let go. Great representative of Atl Falcons and NFL. Enjoyed his play and rooted for him. That being said and Weems aside( cause he can BURN on da punt),the falcons need to cut more WR’s and open the checkbook…….SIDNEY RICE!
Oh, and fix the defense. lol
Tucker
March 2nd, 2011
10:36 am
Fin is my favorite Falcon. Good-bye, Falcons. I am no longer interested.
Jim
March 2nd, 2011
10:38 am
Brian Finneran is a class act. He needs to be a Falcon now and forever. Clubhouse, on field, and off field leadership alone should keep him with the Falcons. No one works harder and is more humble and dependable.
Jan
March 2nd, 2011
10:39 am
Hate to see Finneran go; he is such a nice guy and always played with heart. Best of luck to him in whatever he pursues.
PaulWinchester
March 2nd, 2011
11:01 am
The Falcons should have parted ways with Finnerin from the beginning. All he did in his first few seasons was drop about 100 balls per year. How he managed to make it all these years is a mystery to me. He is a no-talent wideout who only made it because he has athletic ability and can jump high. He cant run a clean route and get open and he was never a difference maker.
Falconsfan13
March 2nd, 2011
11:06 am
Finn has done a great job as a leader in our locker room and has been extremely reliable whenever he was on field, whether it be on offense, special teams, or even defense (i.e., hail marys at the end of games). Finn is a big reason why Roddy is the player he is now, and I hope that we can possibly re-sign him later. Brian Williams, though he was nagged by injuries, was pretty solid as our nickel back, and we were definitely short on defense without him. We will definitely have to find someone to replace him, because we all know Chris Owens isn’t the one to do it. CB seems to be a tricky position for TD (Chevis Jackson, gone; Chris Owens, bad so far; Dominique Franks,???;). I would like to see us get a CB with better size, and ball skills, as well as cover skills. I kinda wish we were in a position to get Patrick Peterson. Imagine Peterson and Grimes together, that would be a great tandem.