Gonzalez is rumoured to be interested on a final season, so long as he is paid $7m and misses training camp.
Tony Gonzalez is nearing a return to Atlanta and one final run at a Super Bowl ring. The belief is that he will return but only if he is paid $7m and doesn’t have to participate in the dreaded training camp.
NFL.com reports that the Falcons are ‘cautiously optimistic’ about Gonzalez’s return, which could affect their draft targets in April
The future hall of fame tight-end has accomplished everything in his 16-year career, apart from winning the Vince Lombardi trophy or even appearing in a Super Bowl. This is clearly the motivation behind his return, as Atlanta were just four yards away from a place in the Super Bowl last season at San Francisco’s expense.
While skipping training camp is not unheard of for a veteran, his $7m asking price does seem a little excessive but Gonzalez commands plenty of respect and has the negotiating power to make big demands in his final year.
There is no doubt that Atlanta will want him back in their side next season, after he was instrumental in the potent passing attack that led them to the NFC Championship game.
The only road-block, however, remains his salary demands, which the Falcons will want to reduce by at least $1m off, simply for cap reasons.
Gonzalez will likely return to Atlanta; for how much remains unclear.
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