Former Cardinals tight end Rob Housler visited the Falcons, ESPN Falcons reporter Vaughn McClure pointed out on Twitter. Although benched in favor of 2014 free agent acquisition John Carlson, Housler, with a 4.46 40-yard dash to his credit, was serviceable as a part-time starter in 2012 and 2013 and could be an upgrade in Atlanta.
The former Florida Atlantic talent would join a corps fronted by Levine Toilolo, who Pro Football Focus rated as its fourth-worst tight end last season (subscription required) in his bid to replace Tony Gonzalez.
In other news as the second wave of free agency persists …
- Bruce Arians told radio station 97.5 TheFanatic he’s excited to venture into draft preparations without any actual needs, per a tweet from ESPN Cardinals reporter Josh Weinfuss. Most notably, the Cardinals fortified their offensive front with premier guard Mike Iupati and underrated center A.Q. Shipley and brought in second-level defensive help in linebackers Sean Weatherspoon and LaMarr Woodley.
- The Rams‘ push to retain Joe Barksdale remains pertinent with some teams calling him the best right tackle left, ESPN’s Adam Caplan tweets. Of course, the LSU product’s decision may linger with his wedding set for tomorrow, relays ESPN Rams beat man Adam Wagoner via Twitter.
- Lance Kendricks‘ decision to sign a second contract with the Rams, a four-year, $18.5MM accord, featured a Falcons bid reportedly higher, adds Wagoner on Twitter. This could be good news for Housler.
- After losing Chris Culliver to Washington earlier today, the 49ers are hosting Shareece Wright on a visit with “lots of mutual interest,” notes NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport on Twitter. A soon-to-be 28-year-old corner coming off two seasons as a starter for the Chargers, Wright has interest from three other teams, the San Diego Union-Tribune’s Michael Gehlken reported on Twitter.
- The Texans‘ acquisition of ex-Broncos free safety Rahim Moore didn’t come without a fight from the Vikings, ESPN1500 Twin Cities reporter Darren Wolfson notes (Twitter link). Moore requested more money from the Vikings than the Texans had to bid, and Minnesota wouldn’t oblige.