Falcons: long time No. 3 WR Douglas let go

Last night Atlanta let Steven Jackson go, and this morning the Falcons cut another experienced skill player to make more cap room in Harry Douglas. He had been the Falcons' third wide receiver since 2008.

While 2014 wasn’t his best year in terms of catches or yards, it was the first year he received a positive grade in receiving and the first year his catch rate went over 70%. There are a number of other talented receivers available, but if Douglas can build off his last season, he could make a good bargain buy. He would likely be a third receiver for most teams, or a No. 2 for a team desperate for WR help.

He was in his last year of a four-year deal, and cutting him saves the Falcons $3.5 million dollars. Atlanta now has over $30.0 million in cap space, and only one of their free agents is in our Top 75 — this gives them room to add a few free agents from other teams to help their needs.

If the Falcons make no other moves at wide receiver, then Devin Hester would move up to the third spot. He played in 36% of Atlanta’s offensive snaps last year. Hester did a better job after the catch than Douglas, but also had more drops and a fumble. The team has mroe pressing needs than upgrading their third receiver spot, but it wouldn’t be surprising if a cheaper free agent or a late draft pick is brought in to compete for it.