They've gutted the unit, which finished 11th in scoring and 24th overall last season. The cupboard must be re-stocked. The line needs a tackle, the linebacker unit has no proven three-down players and a safety and cornerback is needed in the secondary.

They did slap the franchise tag on punter Michael Koenen, who should help the unit with field position.

TEAM NEEDS/OFFSEASON STRATEGY

The defensive master plan is to be strong up the middle and play aggressively.

That, in part, explains the major retooling that's under way.

Falcons coach Mike Smith has been around some of the better defenses in the league while in Baltimore and Jacksonville. His defenses played fast. In Baltimore, he had stellar linebacker play. He also likes to anchor the defense with massive tackles.

The Falcons are attempting to get bigger, stronger and more athletic on the front-end of the defense so that they don't have sit in so much zone coverage.

The sign hanging outside of the Flowery Branch facilities should read: "Play-makers apply within."

TEAM NEEDS

1. Strong safety: The Falcons have elected to move away from safety Lawyer Milloy. He can still play, but they want to get younger. They'd like to get a younger safety with more range in pass defense.

2. Tight end: A pass-catching tight end is vital to the development of quarterback Matt Ryan. L.J. Smith is the best out there in free agency and the draft is deep at the position. Chase Coffman from Missouri might be a good fit.

3. Linebacker: There are no three-down linebackers on the roster. Veteran Michael Peterson, who played under Falcons head coach Mike Smith, in Jacksonville is a possibility. He could provide knowledge of the defense and leadership to what figures to be a young unit.

MEDICAL WATCH: No updates.

FRANCHISE PLAYER: P/K Michael Koenen: Tendered at $2.483M; signed tender Feb. 17.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--OT Wayne Gandy is veteran who could provide quality depth behind some young tackles.

--SS Lawyer Milloy will not return. He would like to end his career in Seattle and be reunited with coach Jim Mora.

--TE Marcus Pollard was signed late in the season and probably won't return.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered)

--OT Pat McCoy (not tendered as RFA) spent the season on injured reserve.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--RT Tyson Clabo (tendered at $1.545M with second-round pick as compensation) has started for last two seasons and played with mean streak.

--RG Harvey Dahl (tendered at $1.545M with second-round pick as compensation) won the starting job last year. Played well against the run and gave up only one sack in 16 starts.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: Unknown.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

--DE Chauncey Davis: UFA; $14M/4 yrs, guarantee unknown.

--S Jamaal Fudge: Potential RFA; terms unknown.

--LB Tony Gilbert: UFA; terms unknown.

--CB Brent Grimes: ERFA; terms unknown.

--S Antoine Harris: ERFA; terms unknown.

--DT Jason Jefferson: UFA; terms unknown.

--P/K Michael Koenen: FFA; $2.483M/1 yr.

--TE Justin Peelle: Potential UFA; terms unknown.

--RB Jason Snelling: ERFA; terms unknown.

--C/G Ben Wilkerson (not tendered as RFA); $535,000/1 yr.

--LB Coy Wire: UFA; 2 yrs, terms unknown.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

--OT Will Svitek: FA; terms unknown.

PLAYERS LOST

--LB Michael Boley: UFA Giants; $25M/5 yrs, $11M guaranteed.

--LB Keith Brooking: UFA Cowboys; $6M/3 yrs, $2.5M guaranteed.

--CB Domonique Foxworth: UFA Ravens; $27.2M/4 yrs, $4M SB/$3.38 report bonus/$16.5M guaranteed.

--DT Grady Jackson: UFA Lions; $8M/3 yrs, guarantees unknown.

--LT Todd Weiner (retired).