2013 Atlanta Falcons: Potential Options If Tony Gonzalez Retires

`Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez has contemplated hanging up his cleats for good before only to return to the NFL the very next year, but last week Gonzalez gave a convincing statement that this season will be his last.

How sure is he? (via the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's D. Orlando Ledbetter)

"“I’d say I’m 95 percent sure,” Gonzalez said. “Talking to my family this offseason, I’ve had a good run. I feel pretty good about where I’m at as a player right now. I want to make sure I end at the top. I don’t want to be one of those players toward the end of their career, nothing against guys that have done it like that in the past, but I want to make sure I’m at the top of my game when I do go out.”"

The 36-year-old isn't closing the window altogether, but as he prepares to enter his 16th season in the league, chances are he won't remain at the top of his game for much longer.

If Gonzalez indeed retires at the end of the season, that leaves the Falcons with a few potential options for the tight end position in 2013. 

Promote a Reserve Tight End

While unlikely, the Falcons may decide to replace Gonzalez from within their own ranks.

That would make primary back up Michael Palmer first in line for the job.

Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2010, Palmer has recorded 15 catches for 101 yards and two touchdowns in his two years in the league.

His numbers may appear low for a tight end in today's NFL, but it should be noted Palmer spent his most of his time on the field paving the way for Michael Turner in former offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey's run-heavy attack.

That being said, Palmer's progress as he adapts to new coordinator Dirk Koetter's more pass-oriented offense will be key to his chances of starting in 2013. If he impresses, the slim possibility he takes over for Gonzalez when he retires may inch closer to a realistic one.

If Palmer doesn't get the job, however, virtually no chance exists for the other reserves.

The only other tight ends currently on the team are 2011 and 2012 undrafted free agents, all of whom are long-shots to make the roster, let alone start for the team next season.  

Sign a Free Agent Tight End

Barring a breakout season from Palmer in 2012, the Falcons can be expected to find Gonzalez's successor via free agency.

The 2013 free agency class won't exactly be the year of the tight end, though a few notable players could be available for the Falcons' taking.

•  Heath Miller: A two-time Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Miller may be one of the most underrated tight ends available on the market if he isn't re-signed at the end of the season. Miller still has plenty of football left at just 29 years old, and proved it after posting 51 receptions for 631 yards and two touchdowns in 2011.

• Jared Cook: Last season proved to be Cook's best yet after recording 49 catches for 759 yards and three scores last year, including an 80-yard touchdown. The fourth-year-pro has great blocking skills to match his receiving ability, and at just 25-years-old could become the Falcons' tight end of the future if the Tennessee Titans part ways with him in 2013.

• Dustin Keller: Keller has perhaps the best chance of the three to actually become a free agent in 2013. Drafted by the New York Jets in 2008, the 27-year-old's career has been one marked by inconsistency. Nonetheless, in 2011 he set career highs in receptions (65) and yards (815) while tying his career mark in touchdowns (5). This year Keller will need to prove he can block too, and if so will be deserving of a look next year.

Fred Davis of the Washington Redskins and Martellus Bennett of the New York Giants are also possible targets.

Draft a Tight End

Whether or not they decide to bring in a free agent tight end, the Falcons should take into great consideration the option of drafting one in next April's selection process.

A number of talented tight ends will be eligible for the 2013 NFL draft.

• Tyler Eifert: Eifert enters his junior year with the Fighting Irish atop most college tight end rankings. The 6-foot-6, 251-pound Notre Dame product led all players at his position in the Football Subdivision in receptions last season after recording 63 for 803 yards and five touchdowns.

• Joseph Fauria: Topping nearly all the other college tight end rankings is Joseph Fauria. The senior from UCLA is tabbed as one of the best all-around tight ends coming into the league next year. An able blocker with a knack for making big catches down the field, Fauria would fit right into Dirk Koetter's vertical-minded offense.

• Philip Lutzenkirchen: As a junior for Auburn last year, Lutzenkirchen managed just 24 receptions for 238 yards. But the man is a red-zone machine: Seven of those receptions went for touchdowns last year alone, helping him earn the Tigers' top rank in touchdowns for tight ends with 14 these past three years. 

Other college tight ends to keep an eye on for next year's draft are Ohio State's Jake Stoneburner and Michael Williams of Alabama.