Falcons re-sign nine players
The Atlanta Falcons re-signed nine players Tuesday, including tight end Justin Peelle and linebacker Coy Wire.
Atlanta, which went from 4-12 in 2007 to 11-5 last season, also re-signed defensive tackle Jason Jefferson, offensive lineman Ben Wilkerson, linebacker Tony Gilbert and safety Jamaal Fudge. In addition, the Falcons inked exclusive rights contracts with running back Jason Snelling, cornerback Brent Grimes and safety Antoine Harris.
"All of these guys are hard working, focused players who understand their roles," general manager Thomas Dimitroff said. "They fit into our system and what we are trying to accomplish as a team."
Peelle was signed as a free agent just before the start of last season and started 11 of 16 games, catching 15 passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns. The seven-year veteran has 100 career receptions for 773 yards and nine touchdowns.
Wire started four of 16 regular-season games last season - his first with Atlanta after spending his first six with the Buffalo Bills. He had 188 career tackles and five sacks.
Snelling, a seventh-round pick of Atlanta in 2007, had 15 carries for 62 yards and eight receptions for 89 yards last season.
Grimes was a part-time starter and Harris excelled on special teams for the Falcons.