Falcons release OT Sam Baker

The Atlanta Falcons have released offensive tackle Sam Baker, the team announced on Monday.

The Atlanta Falcons have released offensive tackle Sam Baker, the team announced on Monday.

Baker played six seasons with the Falcons after being selected in the first round of the 2008 draft. The 30-year-old appeared in 70 games and started 61.

Baker missed the 2014 season after suffering a torn patellar tendon and appeared in only four games during the 2013 season because of a knee injury.

With Baker sidelined, 2014 first-round pick Jake Matthews was inserted into the starting lineup.

Atlanta finished 13th in the NFL last season with 31 sacks allowed. The team posted a 6-10 record and finished in third place in the NFC South.

• The MMQB: Can Carson Palmer pick up where he left off in Arizona?