NFL Rumors: 5 Free Agents The Atlanta Falcons Have To Keep

The reigning NFC South Champions have many issues they need to address during the offseason.  One of the main ones is resigning some of their top free agents.

The Falcons went into the offseason with 15 free agents, but they have already re-signed Tony Gonzalez and Coy Wire.

Here are five more of the Falcons' free agents that they have to re-sign.

5. Michael Koenen, P

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ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 11: Michael Koenen #9 of the Atlanta Falcons against the Baltimore Ravens at Georgia Dome on November 11, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Koenen has been the Falcons' punter since 2005.  Not only does he punt, but he takes the kickoffs and is the holder for field goals.

With a career average of 42.3 yards per punt, the Falcons need to re-sign Koenen and keep him in Atlanta for years to come.

4. Stephen Nicholas, OLB

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ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 27: Stephen Nicholas #54 of the Atlanta Falcons walks off the field during the first half of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Georgia Dome on December 27, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Imag

Nicholas is a solid linebacker for the Falcons, having started 11 games in 2010.

With Mike Peterson unlikely to be re-signed, the Falcons must keep Nicholas if they are to have any stability in the outside linebacker position.

3. Jason Snelling, RB

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 02: Jason Snelling #44 of the Atlanta Falcons against the Carolina Panthers at Georgia Dome on January 2, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Snelling, while being a great insurance policy for starting running back Michael Turner, is also the Falcons' third-down back.

With the looming departure of running back Jerious Norwood, Snelling needs to be re-signed, so that if Turner goes down with an injury, Atlanta will have a quality backup to take his place.

2. Brent Grimes, CB

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HONOLULU - JANUARY 30: Brent Grimes #20 of the Atlanta Falcons catches a pass during the 2011 NFL Pro Bowl against the American Football Conference (AFC) at Aloha Stadium on January 30, 2011 in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

Though the Pro Bowler is only a restricted free agent, the Falcons need to make sure that they lock him up for the long term.

Grimes led the Falcons with six interceptions and gave the Falcons a great No. 2 corner alongside Dunta Robinson.

Atlanta needs Grimes' athletic ability in their secondary for the 2011 season.

1. Justin Blalock, Tyson Clabo, Harvey Dahl, OL

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: (L-R) Tyson Clabo #77, Michael Turner #33 and Harvey Dahl #73 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrate after Turner scored a 12-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers during their 2011 NFC divisional p

All three are free agents in 2011, and just as the Falcons' offensive line is a unit, these three players are a unit on this list.

Atlanta had one of the best offensive lines in the league last year and it is imperative that they are able to maintain their stability.

Not one of these players is more important than the other two and all three must be kept.