According to Yahoo Sports, Gonzalez would be open to coming back to the team, although he would like a salary raise as well as a deal that would allow him to miss all or part of training camp. Sources told Yahoo that those two factors are essential to him coming back to the Falcons. Gonzalez is the second-leading receiver in NFL history and was one of the most consistent targets for Matt Ryan.
"He will come back if they pay him $7 million and he doesn't have to do training camp," said one Falcons player familiar with Gonzalez's thinking.
Gonzalez made nearly $4 million last year and earned a $1 million roster bonus while being one of the top receivers on the Falcons, leading the team with 93 catches for 930 yards and eight touchdowns. The next season would be the 17th for the tight end and although the Falcons have a number of free agents to deal with, Gonzalez is also a priority.
The team has Sam Baker and Brent Grimes to sign and they also could look to the draft for a tight end, as players like Notre Dame tight end Tyler Eifert and former Stanford tight end Zac Ertz could be possible picks.
Gonzalez has put up stats at the position that are likely to stand for many years. He has the most receptions for a tight end with 1,242, as well as the most receiving yards (14,268) and touchdowns (103). Making his numbers even more impressive is the distance between him and the second place player on each list. Shannon Sharpe is second with 815 catches and 10,060 yards, while Antonio Gates has 83 receiving touchdowns.
The Falcons finished 13-3 this season after starting off 8-0, winning the NFC South and taking the No. 1 seed in the playoffs. The team won its first postseason game under Ryan and Smith, but could not turn it into a Super Bowl appearance after taking a 17-0 lead against the 49ers.
Posts
