The Falcons had a decision to make about running back Jason Snelling’s future with the team before he took it out of their hands on Tuesday.
Snelling announced his retirement from the NFL after seven seasons via the team. Snelling was set to make $1.375 million next season, a good-sized sum for a backup running back on a team that needs to upgrade its offensive line this offseason.
He ends his career with 363 carries for 1,420 yards and eight touchdowns. Snelling was often used on passing downs throughout his career and wound up with 168 catches for 1,249 yards and nine touchdowns as well.
Those are modest totals, but not bad for a seventh-round pick. Snelling started his career with Atlanta as the 244th pick of 2007 draft, so a career of this length was much more than anyone expected when Snelling entered the league. Stephen Jackson, Jacquizz Rodgers and Antone Smith remain on the Falcons roster at running back.