Roddy White no longer with the Altanta Falcons
No matter what a player has done for an organization, more often than not, it’s not going to end well. Even quarterbacks, faces of a franchise like Brett Favre did end things well with the Green Bay Packers. So you know that time is going to come for the greatest receiver in a franchise’s history.
It’s tough to decide that a player that was the best at his position in the history of a franchise gets cut. You have the sentiment of everything he’s done for the franchise vs the money he eats up from the salary cap. But when the players production doesn’t match that money in a given year, it makes that decision clearer.
On Wednesday, the Atlanta Falcons made such a decision, cutting all-time franchise receiver Roddy White. The 2005 1st-round draft pick caught 808 passes for 10,863 yards over his career in Atlanta. But in the midst of getting phased out of the offense in 2015, he had just 43 catches for 506 yards and one touchdown.
And White was not shy about expressing his displeasure with Atlanta’s offense throughout the 2015 season. He likely didn’t have a problem slipping below superstar wideout Julio Jones last year. But immediately became frustrated when he realized that Leonard Hankerson moved up to No. 2. leaving White at No. 3.
And for the Falcons, a No. 3 receiver costing $6 million against their salary is something they can’t afford.
Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff said, “Decisions like these are always difficult, but this was one of the most difficult decisions I have been a part of in my years of football. We have a tremendous amount of respect and gratitude for what Roddy has meant to this community and organization.
“He is a great teammate and one of the all-time great Falcons. We thank Roddy for everything he has meant to this organization and we wish him success as he continues his career.”
Head coach Dan Quinn added, “Roddy is one of the best competitors and warriors I have ever been around. He was one of the first players I reached out to when I was hired here, and I want to thank him for his professionalism and leadership.
“Although this was a difficult decision, we feel this is best for everyone as we continue to put this team together, not just for the 2016 season, but for the future as well.”
Another franchise legend thanked in not the greatest way.