Falcons HC Mike Smith said that team does not have a timetable for tight end Tony Gonzalez to decide if he’s going to retire or return to the team.
The team plans to be mindful of Gonzalez’ situation and let him arrive at his conclusion without any additional pressure. The Falcons have been clear that they want the game’s most prolific pass-catching tight end to return.
“I don’t that there is anything concrete in terms of a timetable,” Smith said. “But I think that conversation will take place. I had a conversation with him the week after the season and we’ll probably have another here real soon.”
Smith, his staff and the team’s scouts head to Indianapolis next week for the NFL scouting combine. He said it’s not a problem if Gonzalez has not decided by then and that the team would have to scout the tight ends and other position groups either way.
If Gonzo returns he'll likely hold top 5 TE value in 2013.