FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – Although the focus of the offseason for Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff will be getting quarterback Matt Ryan a new deal, there's still a number of decisions the Falcons will make as they continue to try to improve their roster.
And Dimitroff believes the Falcons are in a "good spot" in that regard.
"I really believe that, again, we're going to be able to be creative with how we do things moving forward with this group, again, with the focus on Matt and a couple other players that are going to be legitimate ticket contracts, I think we are in a good spot," Dimitroff said. "And again, we do a really good job here, I think, about being creative."
Outside of Ryan, another name that is likely to come up in talks this offseason about their future in Atlanta is running back Tevin Coleman.
Coleman will be entering the final year of his rookie contract next season. The Falcons signed Devonta Freeman to five-year extension this August for a reported $41.25 million, leaving questions about whether or not the Falcons will be able to keep both running backs on their roster moving forward.
"I believe you could realistically do it," Dimitroff said. "I think, again, it comes back to an earlier question when you're talking about looking at all the different spots on the roster and what you can do to create the space."
Falcons coach Dan Quinn complimented Dimitroff's unique ability to get what's needed done for the betterment of the team.
"Thomas has proven you don't have to stick to any one mold to do anything," Quinn said. "That's kind of the fun part of going through the whole stuff."
Coleman and Freeman have proved to be one of the league's best running back tandems for the past couple of seasons. The duo has combined for 4,362 total yards and 55 touchdowns in their three seasons together.
"We're very fortunate to have a tandem that way, and again, we'll continue to utilize these guys properly, and they're going to be a big part of what our offense is going forward," Dimitroff said.
Defensive tackle Dontari Poe will also be someone the Falcons will have to make a decision on as he reportedly only signed a one-year deal with the Falcons.
Poe expressed his desire to return to Atlanta but at the end of the day understands the business side of things.
The new league year begins on March 14 at 4 p.m. ET.
