Atlanta Falcons release former star receiver Roddy White

When it came time to make the tough call on releasing Roddy White, the Atlanta Falcons didn’t ask the popular wide receiver about reworking his contract.

This decision was at least as much about performance as about money.

The Falcons released White, the leading receiver in franchise history, on Wednesday following his least productive season in a decade.

White’s role in the offense declined in 2015 under first-year Coach Dan Quinn and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan.

The Falcons announced the release of White, 34, in a statement which included glowing compliments from team owner Arthur Blank, General Manager Thomas Dimitroff and Quinn.

White holds the franchise records for most catches, receiving yards and touchdown catches. The 2005 first-round pick from Alabama-Birmingham soon became one of the team’s biggest stars and most popular players.

Blank said White “is one of the greatest players to ever put on a Falcons uniform.”

“Even more importantly, he is a man of tremendous character that I and my entire family have profound personal affection and respect for,” Blank said, adding White will “forever be part of the Falcons family.”

The move clears about $2.36 million in salary cap space for 2016.

White was only fourth on the team with 43 catches last season, his low total since 2006, his second season. As his production declined, Atlanta fans cheered even louder for his catches, often chanting “Roddy! Roddy!” as they sought to help him return to his top form.

Cousins accepts Redskins’ franchise tender

Kirk Cousins’ agent says the quarterback has accepted the Washington Redskins’ franchise tender, giving him a one-year contract for next season. Agent Mike McCartney announced the move on his Twitter account.

The Redskins placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Cousins before the deadline. Cousins will earn the guaranteed salary of $19.953 million in 2016.

Browns center opts out of contract

Cleveland Browns Pro Bowl center Alex Mack is voiding the final three years of his contract and will become a free agent.

Mack was set to make $24 million over the next three years, but chose to opt out of the deal, said the person who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the talks.

Mack may still re-sign with the Browns, who value him as one of their best players and a building block for the future.

A former first-round draft pick, Mack is one of the NFL’s top interior linemen. Mack was able to secure a five-year, $42 million contract, which included $18 million guaranteed, from the Browns in 2014 after the club used the transition tag on him. Jacksonville signed Mack to an offer sheet, which the Browns matched.

Etc.

The Baltimore Ravens and Joe Flacco have agreed on a contract extension that will keep the quarterback with the team through the 2021 season. Flacco and the Ravens agreed on a three-year extension Wednesday. If a new deal hadn’t been made, Flacco’s salary cap hit to the club would have been $28.55 million this season. ...

The Tennessee Titans have agreed to terms on a multi-year contract with free-agent cornerback Brice McCain. ... The Green Bay Packers have reached an agreement to bring back Mason Crosby, keeping the veteran kicker off the free agent market. ... The San Francisco 49ers have re-signed running back Shaun Draughn to a one-year contract. The deal reached Wednesday prevents Draughn from becoming an unrestricted free agent next week.