Gabriel hoping to be 'a Falcon forever' ahead of restricted free agency

Taylor Gabriel doesn't want to go anywhere.

The dynamic wide receiver will have the opportunity to field offers from other teams when he becomes a restricted free agent next month, but his focus appears to be sticking with the Atlanta Falcons.

"Of course, I want to be a Falcon forever," Gabriel told Vaughn McClure of ESPN this week. "Just the camaraderie and the group, from (coach) Dan Quinn to the owner (Arthur Blank). And everyone has bought into what we have here. Yes, I want to be a Falcon forever."

Gabriel emerged as a big-play threat in his first season in Atlanta, recording 35 receptions for 579 yards and six touchdowns for a high-powered Falcons offense.

Barring an agreement for a multi-year deal in the coming weeks, Gabriel will presumably receive either a first- or second-round tender heading into restricted free agency.

Another team thus being required to give up the corresponding draft selection upon signing him to a long-term deal should be all Atlanta needs to keep other suitors away.

Gabriel's speed and route-running ability make him a high-level complement to the talents of starting receivers Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu. Be it this offseason or at some point closer to his 2018 unrestricted free agency, the 26-year-old will be a candidate for a multi-year deal that pays him accordingly.