OT Hopkins comes to the Branch
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Loading ...Brad Hopkins’ tour of Falcons facilities Friday went “very well,” according to the agent for the free agent offensive tackle. Meanwhile, the man he could replace, Kevin Shaffer, reportedly has agreed to a free-agent contract with the Cleveland Browns.
Bartlestein did not say whether any contract talks took place between the Falcons and Hopkins, saying only that the 35-year-old two-time Pro Bowler, who has spent his entire career with the Titans, has visits with other teams scheduled.
Atlanta is looking for a new left tackle because the Falcons let it be known they couldn’t afford Shaffer, said Alan Herman, who represents the player.
Frank Omiyale, an fifth-round draft pick last season, is atop the depth chart at left tackle right now, but the Falcons plan on adding a veteran either to start or challenge for playing time.
With the free agent period beginning just after midnight Friday, teams began the recruiting process, some more aggressively than the others.
The Falcons, who have roughly $12 million to spend under the newly increased $102 million salary cap, plan to use their money to address multiple positions, which is why they might not make an immediate splash in free agency.
That philosophy could leave them out of the running for Jets defensive end Jonathan Abraham, who would have to agree to a contract before being traded — a process he and the Jets are exploring, with every intent of Abraham playing elsewhere.
There is “nothing exciting,” happening between Abraham and the Falcons, according to Abraham’s agent, Tony Agnone.
Having cut veteran defensive end Brady Smith to clear cap space, Atlanta must acquire a defensive end in free agency, through the draft or via a trade. The Falcons also would like to add a veteran safety, with Lawyer Milloy and Adam Archuleta being the most recognizable free agents at the position.
Archuleta’s agent, Gary Wichard, said there has been no contact from the Falcons. Milloy’s agent, Carl Poston, has not returned phone messages.
The Falcons remain in discussions with free agent wide receiver Brian Finneran, who led Atlanta’s wide receivers with 50 receptions last season.
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