We just learned that the Falcons are going to cut ties with Levine Toilolo to save $2.5-$3.5 million, depending on how they designate him. Now we’re learning that defensive lineman Derrick Shelby will be gone, too, and the Falcons will save an additional $4.5 million by doing so.
Shelby was a well-regarded signing by the Falcons who lost much of his 2016 season to injury, but he was healthy last year and provided mostly rock solid run defense for Atlanta. At his current price, though, and given that he frequently played fewer snaps than Vic Beasley, Takk McKinley, Adrian Clayborn, and Brooks Reed, this is not perhaps the most stunning cut the Falcons could make.