Cobb Reporter

The Falcons began their offseason by signing 17 players to reserve-future contracts.

A press release said the team made an announcement about the signings a day after the 30-20 season finale loss to the New Orleans Saints.

"Falcons are now in offseason mode and their first act in building next season's roster was signing several to reserve-future contracts," the team said on its website.

The group of signees include almost every member of the practice squad and a few more players from the CFL.

According to the release, the agreements bind the players to the team, providing them with an opportunity to compete for a spot on next season’s 53-man roster during the offseason program and training camp.

“Signed players will participate in team's offseason program and training camp,” the team said.

The following players were awarded reserve-future contracts: DB Cornell Armstrong, OL Willie Beavers, OLB Quinton Bell, LB Jordan Brailford, LB Dorian Etheridge, WR Chad Hansen, RB Caleb Huntley, DB Luther Kirk, P Dom Maggio, OL Ryan Neuzil, DB Lafayette Pitts, TE John Raine, LB Rashad Smith, DE Nick Thurman, WR Austin Trammell, DB Dee Alford and TE Brayden Lenius.

Alford and Lenius are new to the Falcons, according to the release.

The Falcons completed the 2021 season with a 7-10 record, landing in third-place in the NFC South just above the Carolina Panthers.

Atlanta was in the thick of the playoff hunt last month until it fell to the San Francisco 49ers 31-13 on the road in Week 15.

One of the biggest matters the Falcons have to address during the offseason is star wideout Calvin Ridley’s status for next season.

General Manager Terry Fontenot on Jan. 12 said nothing has changed in regards to Ridley, who appeared in five games and hauled in 281 yards and two touchdowns just before taking a break to address his mental health issues, NFL.com reported.