The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Coach explains Collins release
Falcons’ Quinn is happy with play of secondary.
FLOWERYBRANCH— The play of the secondary was a factor in the Falcons’ decision to waive Jalen Collins, coach Dan Quinn said Wednesday. The cornerback, who was drafted in the second round in 2015, was eligible to return this week after serving a 10-game NFL suspension.
“We made the best decision for the team,” Quinn said a day after the roster move. “We went through the whole process. We wanted to make sure that we took all the time that we needed.”
Upon returning from Monday’s win in Seattle, Quinn met with general manager Thomas Dimitroff about Collins’ status. Collins was suspended by the NFL for using performance-enhancing drugs. He also was suspended for four games at the outset of the 2016 season for the infraction.
“Thomas and I stated back in August that we were going to take all of the time, and we certainly did, to make that decision,” Quinn said. “That was in the best interest of the team in this situation, and that’s what we decided to do.”
The Falcons have five cornerbacks in the roster.
“That’s what we decided to do, and we knew that we had all the time to do that,” Quinn said. “We thought we’d gather all of the info that we wanted. But at the end of the day, we always want to do what’s right for the team. At this point, that was the best decision for us.”
Starters Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford are playing well, along with nickel back Brian Poole. Fourth cornerback C.J. Goodwin is starting to play in some dime situations The team also has Blidi Wreh-Wilson, who’s been inactive for six games.
Goodwin played 13 defensive snaps (18 percent) against Seattle.
“For us, we didn’t feel that it was necessary for us to make any additional moves in that regard,” Quinn said. “We are happy with the guys in terms on how they are competing and battling for it. That’s why we felt it was best interest for the team to keep playing like we are.”
Collins was able to return to practice this week after serving the lengthy suspension for his second violation of the NFL’s performance-enhancing substance policy.
Collins’ suspension was announced during training camp in early August. Before his suspension was announced, when the Falcons knew the upcoming penalty, Collins worked with the third-team defense.
Collins, who was suspended without pay, was taken in the second round by the Falcons in the 2015 NFL draft. He played in 24 games with eight starts over two seasons. Last season, he recorded two interceptions and 31 total tackles — 28 solo, and 10 passes defensed.
With Trufant out with an injury, Collins started in Super Bowl LI.
Collins was not claimed off waivers by 4 p.m. Wednesday, so is available for other teams to sign as a free agent.