Falcons release Roddy White, franchise's all-time leading receiver

The Atlanta Falcons have turned the page from Roddy White.he Falcons released White, the franchise's all-time receiving leader, on Wednesday. It shouldn't come as a major shock, though, as a declining skill set, a hefty contract and the team's non-committal stance on White all loomed this offseason.

Playing for only one NFL team since 2005, White strung together six straight seasons with at least 1,153 yards from 2007 to 2012. He stands at 10,863 receiving yards in his career, which is 35th most in NFL history and eighth among active players (including Andre Johnson and Calvin Johnson, who are mulling retirement).

White, 34, was due to make a base salary of $2.75 million, with a roster bonus of $1.5 million from the contract he signed in 2014 that was supposed to keep White a Falcon for life, as he spoke hopefully at season's end about being around to see the opening of the Falcons' new stadium in 2017.

But you know how those things go. His effectiveness waned last season, going from 80 catches in 2014 to 43 last season, and his targets dropped from 125 to 70. Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan used White less as the season went on.

This move still comes with a cost, both emotional and financial. Releasing White, one of the more beloved players in recent franchise history, will hit the Falcons' salary cap with more than $5.6 million in dead money over the next two seasons, per Spotrac.

Last week at the scouting combine, head coach Dan Quinn said the team had yet to make a decision on White's future. "He’s somebody you certainly know we have such respect and admiration for as we’re building this team together," Quinn said.

Julio Jones has been the main target in Atlanta for some time now, but the release of White opens up a need at receiver. Even with more expected from Justin Hardy in Year 2, the Falcons are expected to seek receiver help this offseason and have been rumored to be connected to two Cincinnati Bengals free-agent wideouts — Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu.

White could have a job in the same division. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers might want to add a veteran receiver to the mix if White's price isn't too high, and the allure of facing his former team might appeal to the proud veteran. White played for new Bucs head coach Dirk Koetter in Atlanta, when he was defensive coordinator there.

It could work for White, who played high school ball in South Carolina, played college at UAB and who has spent his entire professional career in Atlanta. He apparently likes warm weather.

	Josina Anderson @JosinaAnderson
Asked what teams would he consider playing for now, Roddy White text me back: “I’m a Southern guy. I love the South." 2:03 PM - 2 Mar 2016