Flowery Branch, GA (SportsNetwork.com) - The Atlanta Falcons and defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux agreed to a three-year contract extension on Tuesday amid a flurry of moves as the NFL's free agency period opened.
The Falcons released 2012 Pro Bowl safety Thomas DeCoud and agreed to terms on a two-year contract extension with center Joe Hawley.
They also signed guard Jon Asamoah and Tyson Jackson, both former Chiefs, and former Dolphins defensive tackle Paul Soliai.
And in an expected move, the team released retired tight end Tony Gonzalez, who is transitioning to a career in television as an analyst on CBS.
Babineaux, set to become an unrestricted free agent, has spent his entire nine-year career with the Falcons. He has appeared in 138 games with 108 starts and has compiled 370 tackles with 23 1/2 sacks, three interceptions and 10 fumble recoveries.
The 32-year-old was selected by the Falcons in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He notched 49 tackles with one sack in 2013.
Asamoah, a former third-round pick out of Illinois, appeared in 60 games with 41 starts at right guard over four seasons in Kansas City.
Jackson, meanwhile, was originally selected by the Chiefs in the first round (third overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft out of LSU. He appeared in 74 games with 55 starts and tallied 190 tackles (138 solo), nine sacks, 12 passes defensed, along with 21 quarterback pressures in his five-year Kansas City career.
Soliai, 6-foot-4, 345-pound run-stuffer, played seven seasons with the Dolphins, appearing in 99 games with 62 starts while totaling 160 tackles with 4 1/2 sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and 12 passes defensed.
"We are pleased to add Paul, Tyson and Jon to our roster," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. "Paul has played for (defensive coordinator Mike) Nolan in Miami and is familiar with our scheme, and Tyson is a good football player that will fit with what we want to do defensively as well. Jon is a physical, experienced offensive lineman that will add a veteran presence to our offensive line."
DeCoud played in 89 games for the Falcons and totaled 544 tackles, 14 interceptions, three sacks, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and 27 passes defensed.
