Falcons release former first-rounders Anderson, Jenkins
Jamaal Anderson got one of his 4.5 sacks last season against Seattle. (Associated Press).
FLOWERY BRANCH – The Falcons cleared $7.8 million under the salary cap by releasing veteran defensive lineman Jamaal Anderson and wide receiver Michael Jenkins on Friday.
Anderson and Jenkins were both former first-round picks.
Anderson taken eighth overall in the 2007 drafted and never blossomed in to the sackmaster that the Falcons envisioned when he was selected. The Falcons passed on future stars Patrick Willis and Darrelle Revis. Willis, a linebacker, went 11th to San Francisco and Revis, a cornerback, went to the Jets with the 14th pick.
Willis has been to four Pro Bowls and has been named an All-Pro three times. Revis has been to three Pro Bowls and has been named All-Pro two times.
Anderson played in 60 games and made 47 starts, but had just 3.5 sacks (The Falcons officially have him for 3.5 sacks. Pro-Football-Reference.com has him for 4.5 sacks. The Falcons gave the credit for the sack against Seattle to Jonathan Babineaux.)
Jenkins was selected with the 29th pick in the 2004 draft.
He was a mainstay in the offense, but never amassed over 100 yards receiving in a game. He had a career-high 53 catches in 2007 and a career-high in yards of 777 in 2008.
Jenkins’ future was in doubt after the Falcons traded five picks to move up 27 spots in the draft to select wide receiver Julio Jones with the sixth pick of the 2011 draft.
With the extra cap room, the Falcons will likely be able to pursue free-agent defensive end Ray Edwards.
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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369 comments Add your comment
Micheal
July 29th, 2011
1:47 pm
I think they were saying that there was a mystery team that is coming in the Aso picture. Some say the Bears but after this deal, I think that we might be that team.
Ra'mon
July 29th, 2011
1:48 pm
$11 million guaranteed, that’s a great deal and a bargain actually.
UGA 1999
July 29th, 2011
1:50 pm
Guys I am heading over to the new Ledbetter thread regarding Edwards. I will see you there.
I Wonder
July 29th, 2011
1:50 pm
How in hell does TD do it?
Man’s a miracle worker. The players/agents must see the Falcons as an extremely professional franchise and a veritable contender.
Yeah Right
July 29th, 2011
1:52 pm
Word on the street is we’re not in the Asomugha plan….so I will drink my beer out of UGA1999’s stinky tennis shoe if we are in that derby!
Jawbreaker
July 29th, 2011
2:10 pm
I’m a happy Falcons fan today. Anderson was dead weight since he put on a Falcons uniform. If the Falcons shock the world and pick up Asmogh we’re going to be tough to beat. Sorry about Jenkins. He was good, but his career is far from finished. He will catch on with someone else. Should be a great season.
jamaal
July 29th, 2011
2:30 pm
BRENT GRIMES!!! Who cares about those 2. IF we don’t resign GRIMES we’ve failed!
Ray Edwads To The Atlanta Falcons | Robert Littal Presents BlackSportsOnline
July 29th, 2011
2:32 pm
[...] the Atlanta Falcons released defensive tackle Jamaal Anderson and wide receiver Michael Jenkins this morning, I knew they were making room to finally bring in a play maker on [...]
Hugo
July 29th, 2011
7:19 pm
That’s the best move since slice bread. These folks might know what they are doing now. Go Birds.
BirdDawg24
July 29th, 2011
8:34 pm
grimes would make a good safety.he had a good season , but he struggles against bigger recievers. he is athletic and has good speed. falcons need another CB ., Moss would be a pretty good addition. get him if possible, sidny rice wouldve been good also.but too much money.harry douglas might come around, who was the rookie that got hurt last year Meijer, he has potentail too,michael jenkins is a good reciever, show the man some respect. GO DAWGS ! AND GO CALHOUN falcons win only 8 or 9 this year. wild card at best but doubtful,
Real American
July 29th, 2011
10:14 pm
Wow….Aso is a bird, but not a Falcon.
joe
July 29th, 2011
11:33 pm
now lets see how good matt ice is.
Pete
July 30th, 2011
12:57 pm
Say goodbye to the last wasted remnants and legacy of Rich McKay’s brilliant picking as a below mediocre GM.
Good riddance !!!!!!!
Redoubt
July 30th, 2011
6:22 pm
Oh, good lord. Are comments being held up and groped by the TSA or what?
Bobby Petrino
July 30th, 2011
6:26 pm
“Things that I wanted to go over with him,” Blank said. “It’s more me understanding and making sure I’m clear on his logic.”
Antonio J. Davis
August 2nd, 2011
1:58 am
I’am glad we got rid of both those guys they was holding us back,drop ball&3.5 sacks scene 07 i’am very happy! Squilly D.
Horace M. Ragin
August 2nd, 2011
11:53 am
As an old school sports fan I love defense. The Pittsburgh Steelers won four super bowls with defense. Your defense starts up front and ends with your DBS.
Horace M. Ragin
August 2nd, 2011
11:57 am
I really like Jammal Anderson as a inside run stuffer he should have motivated himself to stay with the team. The Falcons are up and coming,could have been a part of something really big. As for Jenkins well again lack of motivation. In life you have to motivate yourself.
Horace M. Ragin
August 2nd, 2011
12:02 pm
I was very happy to see the Falcons get some much needed help on defense with “Ray(BOOM,BOOM) Edwards he’s gonna take QBS to the upper room.