FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- The Atlanta Falcons worked out free-agent defensive back Byron Maxwell, a once-coveted player who signed a six-year, $63 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2015.
The Falcons won't sign Maxwell today, but that doesn't mean he's been ruled out for future consideration.
Maxwell had his best year in Seattle under Falcons coach Dan Quinn, formerly the Seahawks' defensive coordinator. He was a sixth-round pick in 2011 out of Clemson and started 17 games with the Seahawks.
Maxwell started 14 games with the Eagles during the '15 season before being traded to Miami. He finished that season on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.
Then Maxwell started 13 games with the Dolphins in 2013. He played in two games this season before being released last month, shortly after getting benched.
Quinn did not mention any significant injuries at defensive back, where Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford are the starting cornerback and Brian Poole the primary nickel back. The Falcons also are expected to get back former second-round pick Jalen Collins, who is near the end of a 10-game suspension for a second violation of the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances.
Maxwell was one of four defensive backs the Falcons worked out Monday, which typically indicates an injury concern. The other three were Marcus Cromartie who was last with the Houston Texans, Robertson Daniel who was last with the Baltimore Ravens, and Jeremy Boykins who was last with the Tennessee Titans.
The 6-foot-1, 198-pound Maxwell 10 career interceptions, including a single-season high of four in 2013 with Quinn's defense in Seattle.
