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
JC
March 2nd, 2011
11:11 am
Wonder how MR2 feels about the move … Finn was like his best friend on the team.
DunkinDon
March 2nd, 2011
11:17 am
Finneran was as tough as they come. Keep him
UGAJD
March 2nd, 2011
11:22 am
Hard not to like Finneran. Hopefully, he can return to the Falcons after the CBA gets done. Otherwise, I wish him the best. I’m sure he’ll be successful, no matter what he decides to do next.
Brainiac
March 2nd, 2011
11:26 am
Finneran was to the Falcons what Chris Durham was to UGA Dawgs, A competent “go to” receiver when you had to move the ball. Both are class acts and and are a credit to our society. I hope to se both playing in the future.
BirdDirty
March 2nd, 2011
11:38 am
Dan, it has been said on numerous occassions that Joe Horn helped Roddy White become a better player. He stressed the notion that “you practice like you play”. Roddy acknowledges that he was not as focused in practice as he should have been. During the receiver drills, you could see how serious Horn was and how he did not let a ball hit the ground. Roddy followed his advice and formed good practice habits during the 2007 off-season. It resulted in his break out season in 2007. And where was Brian Finneran during that time? Injured, on crutches, and on the sideline. Continue to ignore the facts and focus on trivial, non-football related stuff to further your idiotic argument.
Falcon57
March 2nd, 2011
11:40 am
Really hate to see Finneran go. He was THE class act of the Falcons and has been for years. Very clutch receiver especially on third downs. Also one hell of a blocker down field. Do we all remember the photo of Finn down field clearing two would be tacklers on Weems late season return for a touchdown? He always gave the team his all.
However, I knew when we drafted Kerry Meiers that Finn’s days were numbered. Meiers play is a mirror of what Finns has been. Not overly fast but killer hands and knows how to find the open spots. We do however still need a speed receiver to stretch the field and take some pressure off of Roddy. Douglas has the quickness, not so much the top end speed but he is much better suited for the slot.
I do hate to see Williams go with out us having a dependable replacement. When healthy, he was a quality player. I think he still has gas left in his tank and is definitely better than Owens.
But back to Finn. I thank you for your efforts and hope you the best. I would love to see the team bring you into the coaching fold. I believe you would be very successful there.
NATIVEBIRD
March 2nd, 2011
11:41 am
Finn has had some good years for us, but I agree with the decision. B Williams has lost a step due to injury and we need the fastest and the best at all of our secondary positions to be a serious contender.
Some people might not like this but I think the Falcons need to go talk to Plexico Buress when he is released. He would be an upgrade from Jenkins and a true threat over the middle or deep for that matter. A great compliment to Roddy. I bet he comes in here and is a model citizen after what he has gone thru. He will be released sometime in June and the Giants look like they are not interested in bringing him back. It’s a risk, but I think with his size, speed, and natural ability, it is one that we should take.
Think long and hard about this one Aurthur, and I would obviously go and have some facetime with him as well.
Go Birdz!!!!
NATIVEBIRD
March 2nd, 2011
11:49 am
Plaxico
Falcon57, I agree with you B Williams is definitely better than Owens. I am better than Owens. My nephew is better than Owens. My wife is better than Owens. Hell, my dog could cover better than Owens! I played in the secondary from little league thru college. He plays like a little timid girl, has no sense of where he should be or where the ball is, and thus gets beat multiple times. I just prayed that the opposition did not throw the ball his way. Grimy Grimes won me over, but he is STILL TOO SMALL! Grimes should play nickel and we need a big, fast, cover corner opposite Duate’. OWENS IS NOT NFL MATERIAL, PLEASE CUT OR RELEASE HIM, HE IS TURRIBLE!!! LOL
Falcons relax...
March 2nd, 2011
12:13 pm
“That’s pretty interesting about Smitty not mentioning Jenks. Richardo Lockette = 27th pick?” That can’t be a serious question can it? Anyway Finn was a asset to the team in terms of redzone threat, special teams, and locker room leadership. But Meier is going to take the slot next season hopefully. You know that kid Blair White from the Colts. THey call him the “BLAIR WHITE PROJECT.” We need to get a guy like that, 6′4″ just like Finn was with the Hands to keep pressure when we get to the redzone because jenkins isn’t a threat at all.
But next year is when Calvin Johnson is a free agent so I could see us signing him.
mars
March 2nd, 2011
12:23 pm
Finn, you will be missed. It is my hopes that, should your playing career discontinue, you will be welcome on the Falcons staff in some capacity. Your leadership skills are, and hopefully will continue to be, a tremendous asset to the organization.
Mikefalcon63
March 2nd, 2011
12:54 pm
Interesting that Jenkins was not mentioned. That could create a big draft day scenario if we decide to cut him.
myra
March 2nd, 2011
1:11 pm
Luv luv luv to Brian Finneran and to his family. Please stay in GA and(hopefully Atl Falcons). Class Act.
God Bless.
FlexLuth
March 2nd, 2011
1:11 pm
I liked the Finn, but his time has come. He will be a radio guy. No real use for Williams.
I think Saints fans and all the guys that try to do that stupid “first” thing are just gay. And that is simply not being nice to gay people. My apologies to the gay community.
Saints1Fan
March 2nd, 2011
1:13 pm
Led, I see the Falcons making a splash at WR this year. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them spend big money to bring Sidney Rice in. Those other receivers don’t do enough and they can’t replace the height mismatches that Finneran did.
FinFan
March 2nd, 2011
1:21 pm
No not Finneran… I am his #1 Fan…. I hope he gets to come back ..he works and contributes wherever the team needs him….
tbhawksfan
March 2nd, 2011
2:12 pm
Very surprised by Smith’s omission of Jenkins when the question was specifically asking about the #2 spot. The non answer was effectively a calling out in the press. Didn’t think that was Smiths thing.
MountainDawg
March 2nd, 2011
3:27 pm
That stinks they let Fin go. If not for injuries, he could have be a Pro-Bowl player. He’s a class guy who made some big catches over the years.
JeanE
March 2nd, 2011
3:27 pm
OH and they want more “explosive” plays…they won’t get they in Mularkey’s offense! They have the personnel to do it, even with Finn but Mularkey’s offense doesn’t work that way. And I’m sick of hearing Kerry Meier is the new Finn. Nothing against Meier but there’s only 1 Finn and he should still be a Falcon!!! I want him on that sideline, in whatever capacity! The Falcons better bring him back into the fold somehow in someway. I’m just sick that he’s gone.
MountainDawg
March 2nd, 2011
3:34 pm
@ JeanE, he’s not Fineran, but (rest assured) Kerry Meier has solid talent (35″ vertical leap & 4.5 40 y/d) & good size (6′2, 225). If Kerry stays healthy, I think he has a good shot at the starting line-up.
Wassup
March 2nd, 2011
4:48 pm
The Falcon’s third down conversion rate just dropped significantly for the 2011-2012, assuming one even happens.
RobbE33
March 2nd, 2011
5:27 pm
I feel for the Finnman and wonder how the Falcons plan to replace such a classy, versatile and dedicated player. No one gave more than #86. We appreciate it, Brian, and hope to you on the field again. Thanks, guy!
RobbE33
March 2nd, 2011
5:36 pm
@ Wassup, and who’s going to replace Finneran on special team? Who else could’ve made the multiple blocks that sprung Weems for a TD? Finn will be missed.
hbcuclassics.com
March 2nd, 2011
6:16 pm
College Footballs fastest man – FVSU WR, Ricardo Lockette on ESPNs First Take tommorrow at 1pm
Falcons relax...
March 2nd, 2011
6:45 pm
@ moutaindawg. Exactly, Meier would be the perfect slot. @ RobbE33 Huh, ditto. Kerry Meier can be that guy. Forget thats how he got injured right? PLAYING SPECIAL TEAMS. lol!
Davon
March 2nd, 2011
8:16 pm
the falcons are gonna try to get titus young from bosie state he is a beast if we get him i think we would be good and they signed from the practice squad braydon harvey he really good look at for him this season if there is one
drmondo
March 2nd, 2011
8:50 pm
Thank you Fin. It was great to have you on the team. Need a clutch catch? Someone to make a great block? Field an onsides kick? Defend a Hail Mary? Kick? You are the very definition of Team Player and I hope you stay connected to the Falcons for many more years.
Tammy Denmon
March 2nd, 2011
9:14 pm
oh how i will miss you finn. you are and always will be my #1 falcon! thank you for all your years. all of us true falcon fans know your worth and will miss you greatly. sure hope to see you back next year in the front office or some coaching position. i wish you the best. for all of you who are finn fans……..go to FANS OF BRIAN FINNERAN on facebook to join his fan page.
lech112
March 2nd, 2011
10:45 pm
The Falcons need to figure out there defensive back situation. I say draft a young CB at #27. Here’s my mock draft: http://bit.ly/NFLMockDraft3
itpdude
March 3rd, 2011
12:30 am
Honestly, Finn may be ready for WR coaching duty. He needs to start looking long-term and reckoning whether he wants to walk at age 60.
JGarner
March 3rd, 2011
8:37 am
Finn will be missed!! Always enjoyed seeing him tower over the other guys. GO FALCONS!!!!
JSS
March 3rd, 2011
1:16 pm
Stop saying that Meier runs a 4,5 40… He’s a 4.62 40 guy, go look it up!
JSS
March 3rd, 2011
1:21 pm
By the way, you have all this history of how long it takes players to come back from that injury; and you’re going to count on Meier being a major contributor in your blue print? Good luck with that!
VillanovaNY
March 3rd, 2011
4:10 pm
It’s a shame that some will use this platform to trash a guy like Brian Finneran. He represents everything that is good in sports. Not only a dedicated, hard working player but a pillar of the community. Pathetic Losers. Come to NY and I’ll smack you around a bit. Give me a call
ML
Falcon57
March 7th, 2011
11:44 am
@ tbhawksfan, Smith wasn’t ‘calling’ Jenkins out. He simply omitted saying anything negative about Jenkins. You know the old saying? “if you can’t say anything good, then don’t say anything at all”. Smith is a class coach and rather than noting the negative, he stated the positive concerning the receiving corps. But yes, it does make a huge statement. Again I say watch the Falcons either bringing in a legit number 2 reciever or grabbing one with the first pick. DE is a need but the draft is deep all along the defensive line and a DE could be picked up with the 2nd pick.
And as far as Meier being referrenced to as Finn, I think what people are saying is he plays the way Finn does as far as a legit possession receiver. He has size and knowledge of how to get open and has tremendous hands. All were traits Finn displayed over his years with the Falcons. Can Meier do all the things that Finn did? Not today nor tomorrow but he does fill a very big void in alot of areas. I’m interested to see him play.