Shann Schillinger was one of the Falcons I fully expected to get the axe this off-season, given that the Falcons drafted two intriguing young safety prospects in Kemal Ishmael and Zeke Motta. That axe didn't come until seven weeks into the season.

#Falcons have released S Shann Schillinger, according to his agent, @ESG_Baker. — Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) October 18, 2013

This is a surprise at this point in the season. The Falcons held on to Schillinger, a sixth-round pick who has been with the team since 2010 and has mostly played on special teams, through seven weeks of the season despite a healthy crop of five safeties on the team.

As to why this move is happening now, I can only guess. The Falcons almost certainly have a move in the works here, whether it be a practice squad promotion or a signing, but they must have been comfortable enough with Call Me and Motta to make Schillinger the casualty. Stay tuned for a follow-up here.

We wish you well, Shann.

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