Atlanta Falcons to release safety Thomas DeCoud

Nov 10, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) scores a touchdown past Atlanta Falcons safety Thomas DeCoud (28) during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Seahawks defeated the Falcons 33-10. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Update: This is now official.

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In a move that had been reportedly brewing for weeks and months, the Atlanta Falcons officially released veteran safety Thomas DeCoud on Tuesday afternoon.

This move isn’t a shock, simply because there had been documented reports for weeks, and the team clearly had little interest in moving forward with him as a vital piece. The 28-year-old safety was a 3rd pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, and while he played at a high level at various points in time (92 tackles, 4 INT in 2011), his play slipped noticeably this season.

Pro Football Focus rates DeCoud as the #83 safety in the NFL (yikes), and that leaves him with no place in a starting defensive backfield. With this move, the Falcons are projected to save about $3 million against the salary cap, and with some gaping holes to be addressed in both the draft and free agency, that money can be put to better use somewhere else.

DeCoud was a valuable member of the team over a 5-year stretch, but all good things come to an end, and it was certainly time for this two-way partnership to conclude.