NFL Free Agent Rumors: Atlanta Falcons release Tony Gonzalez

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Dec 29, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez (88) is honored by owner Arthur Blank during halftime against the Carolina Panthers at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez (88) is honored by owner Arthur Blank during halftime against the Carolina Panthers at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports /

May we have our next Brett Favre?

Eventual Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez has yet to officially retire and wanting to open a roster spot (and save money as he was due a $3 million dollar roster bonus), the Atlanta Falcons released Gonzalez this afternoon.

The team confirmed the news on their Twitter account.

"The Falcons have officially released tight end Tony Gonzalez."

Gonzalez has already stated his intention to retire and informed the Falcons of such last season as they honored him in his final home game.

Of course, in recent weeks, Gonzalez has put on his best Brett Favre impression and gave scenarios in which he’d consider returning. One possibility is Gonzalez suggesting that if a team was in need of a tight end late in the season and needed him for a playoff run, he’d be interested.

The move always clears way for Gonzalez to sign a one-day contract with the Kansas City Chiefs (assuming he wanted to) so he could retire as a member of his first organization.

Regardless, one way or another, it doesn’t appear we’ve heard the last of Gonzalaez at this point.