The Atlanta Falcons have released seven players, including tight end Alge Crumpler and quarterback Byron Leftwich as they look to reduce their wage bill ahead of the free agent signing period in March.

The duo have been deemed surplus to requirements by new head coach Mike Smith and general manager Thomas Dimitroff.

The others to be cut are offensive tackle Wayne Gandy, defensive tackle Rod Coleman, cornerback Lewis Sanders, wide receiver Jamin Elliott and linebacker Marcus Wilkins.

"This is a difficult day for the entire organisation," Dimitroff said in a statement.

"A number of these players have contributed to this organisation on and off the field at a high level and we greatly appreciate their efforts.

"These decisions weren't easy, but we felt they were necessary to build a team in the long-term best interest of the Falcons and its fans."

Four-time Pro Bowler Crumpler has spent his entire seven-year NFL career in Atlanta, becoming a key part of their offence when Michael Vick was at quarterback.

He finished with 42 receptions for 444 yards and five touchdowns in 2007, a drop-off compared to his numbers in 2006.

Leftwich leaves the Falcons after just one year. He was signed last off-season after being cut by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The former first-round draft pick completed 32 of 58 passes with one touchdown and two interceptions but did not feature in the final six games.

A former Pro Bowler, Coleman was hampered by injury last season, managing only seven tackles and two sacks in 2007.

He was eventually placed on injured reserve on November 20 after playing in only five games.