Dependable backup running back Terron Ward, who was an exclusive rights free agent, was not tendered a qualifying offer and became a free agent on Wednesday, according to the NFL's official list of 525 new free agents.
Ward, who made the Falcons as an undrafted rookie in 2015 out of Oregon State, played three seasons with the team. He played in 32 games as he backed up Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman.
He could have been the hero of the divisional playoff game if a shovel pass to him on third down had scored in a 15-10 loss to the Eagles. The Eagles were not fooled and foiled the play.
In a matter of months, he went from potential playoffs hero to being released.
The Falcons tried to replace him last season, but Brian Hill, a fifth-round pick out of Wyoming, couldn't beat him out and was eventually released.
Also, safety Sharrod Neasman and wide receiver Nick Williams became free agents from the group of exclusive rights free agents.
Atlanta
Unrestricted Free Agents with four or more accrued seasons:
Clayborn, Adrian DE Iowa
Coleman, Derrick RB UCLA
Gabriel, Taylor WR Abilene Christian
Ishmael, Kemal DB Central Florida
Poe, Dontari DT Memphis
Reynolds, LaRoy LB Virginia
Roberts, Andre WR Citadel
Rubin, Ahtyba DT Iowa State
Tripp, Jordan LB Montana
Upshaw, Courtney DE Alabama
Weatherspoon, Sean LB Missouri
Players with fewer than four accrued seasons who received no qualifying offer or minimum tender from their prior clubs:
Atlanta
Neasman, Sharrod DB Florida Atlantic
Ward, Terron RB Oregon State
Williams, Nick WR Connecticut