Atlanta Falcons’ might look a bit different next season compared to 2019. After Falcons released linebacker Vic Beasley earlier this month, the team is now prepared to let Pro Bowl tight end Austin Hooper and veteran LB De’Vondre Campbell walk away as well.
Falcons’ general manager Thomas Dimitroff recently told the team’s official website that the franchise would let Hooper and Campbell enter free agency. Both players will be out of contract in March.
However, Dimitroff adds that this doesn’t mean the team won’t make an offer of their own to the duo. “This does not necessarily close the door on their time with the Falcons, and we fully intend on negotiating with them in the free agency period as we work through our roster-building scenarios,” he said. “Oftentimes you have to look at what the market is to determine whether you’re willing, as an organization, to step up and pay those players a certain amount of money.”
Austin Hooper had a career season in 2019, managing to get 75 receptions for 787 yards and six touchdowns. Hooper also earned his second consecutive Pro Bowl appearance, setting himself up for a big payday. With Falcons desperately needing to shed some salary off their books, the chances are that they will certainly be outbid after allowing the 25-year-old to hit the market.
De’Vondre Campbell was also productive last season, putting up career numbers as well. He had 129 tackles, including six tackles for loss, while adding 2.0 sacks, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions. With several teams in need of a quality linebacker, Campbell could also strike big in free agency.
