2012 Atlanta Falcons Free Agency: 6 Veterans Worth Minimum Deals

The Falcons currently are a projected $6.6 million under the cap according to calculations made with help from Spotrac and Rotoworld, with ESPN giving some help as well for accurate numbers as well as information on the $3 million cap credit from the Vick situation.

The Falcons, however, tend to be more bargain hunters and have been bringing in players this year with an eye at keeping their compensatory picks next year. According to the compensatory pick formula, players who have been cut from their old teams, traded for or out of football last year won't count as qualifying players for the picks.

These are some ideas for guys to take with a veteran minimum flyer if they don't decide to break the bank and spend some of the $6.6 million on a better free agent option when it becomes available.

WR Braylon Edwards

Braylon Edwards is a fast wide receiver who could contribute in the fourth wide receiver spot. Edwards is a 6'3" receiver with great speed, but iffy hands. Even still, he would be a good fit for a veteran fourth wide receiver.

WR Plaxico Burress

Plaxico is a big wide receiver with great body control and could be that third down option for the Falcons as the fourth wide receiver. Burress has had some legal issues in the past but at his age, 35, he wouldn't be a huge risk for a one year flyer.

DE Andre Carter

After a bad injury to his quadriceps, Andre Carter is likely only a half-season investment. However, once he recovers from his injury, he could be a great player to help Abraham teach the younger players on the team how to rush the passer.

DT Albert Haynesworth

Albert Haynesworth.

It's a name that is very similar to Voldemort in NFL Fan bases. However, at a minimum, "prove-it" contract, the Falcons could have one of the NFL's more fierce pass rushers at defensive tackles and could even play the nose tackle role in the 3-3-5 defense.

OLB Rocky McIntosh

Atlanta needs some depth at outside linebacker.

As someone who can play either inside or outside in either the 3-4 or 4-3, McIntosh is a guy who could end up as top-end veteran depth with starting ability much like Mike Peterson was for Atlanta last season.

S Oshiomogho Atogwe

Another former Redskin here. Atogwe was a great ballhawk at one time in his career.

However, at this point, he is nothing more than a backup. Atogwe could end up as the big nickel for those packages and should be able to compete for depth at both FS and SS.