Justin Blalock joins group of players cut by Atlanta Falcons

Earlier in the day, the Atlanta Falcons announced that they have parted ways with long-time wide receiver Harry Douglas. However, the local product was not the longest-tenured member of the organization to receive a pink slip, as the Falcons later announced that veteran offensive guard Justin Blalock had also been released.

The 31-year-old Blalock was a popular choice for a player on the chopping block, largely due to his sizable salary cap figure and the fact that he was a less than ideal fit in the new zone blocking scheme instituted under the leadership of Kyle Shanahan. Still, Blalock has been a part of the organization since arriving as a second-round pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, and the former Texas Longhorn missed only three games in his eight NFL seasons.

This move leaves the Falcons without an established option at left guard, and that opens up yet another spot where the front office will be left searching for a replacement. Justin Blalock was a very good Atlanta Falcon for quite some time, but as these things go, his release should not come as a sweeping surprise.