The Sports Xchange

The Atlanta Falcons released former first-round offensive tackle Sam Baker on Monday.

The 6-foot-5, 301-pound Baker missed all of last season after suffering a knee injury in the preseason. He has not returned to the practice field from the injury.

Baker, 30, was originally selected by the Falcons in the first round (21st overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft out of Southern California.

During his six-year career, Baker has played in 70 career games with 61 starts for the Falcons. He played in just four games during the 2013 season due to another knee injury.

Baker would have counted $7.3 million against the salary cap in 2015 and his release provides a cap savings of $4.5 million. He signed a six-year deal in 2013 worth $41.1 million, with a $10 million signing bonus.