The Atlanta Falcons have kicked off their offseason by releasing two veteran players. The most notable player get cut from Atlanta is cornerback Asante Samuel, who turned 33 years old in January.
With his age and the team’s preference to go with younger cornerbacks Robert Alford and Desmond Trufant, it comes as no surprise that the team has cut Samuel loose.
Linebacker Stephen Nicholas also received his walking papers from the team. From Alex Marvez of FOX Sports:
Source tells @FOXSports that CB Asante Samuel & LB Stephen Nicholas were cut today by @Atlanta_Falcons
— Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) February 5, 2014
I don't have #Falcons cap savings but Nicholas was set to make $3M in 2014 & Samuel $3.5M with as much as $1.75M in bonuses for 2014 season
— Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) February 5, 2014
By releasing Samuel and Nicholas, the Falcons save $7.5 million in cash and $6.5 million in cap space in 2014.
Samuel will likely get another look, but he is not expected to make a big impact wherever he catches on with his best ball behind him.