Falcons released TE Tony Gonzalez.

Gonzalez apparently never filed his retirement papers. In theory, it's just a formality, but Gonzalez would now be free to sign with any team if he got the comeback itch. Gonzalez has insisted he's committed to his new job at CBS' NFL Today, but there won't be any bureaucratic hoops to jump through if he decides he still has some football left in him.

Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff answered "No" when asked at the Combine if he'll recruit Tony Gonzalez to come out of retirement.

Perhaps Dimitroff will keep an open mind should Gonzalez approach him during the season or closer to training camp, but he won't be aggressive in attempting to lure the 38-year-old back out of retirement. Gonzalez has already accepted a job working as a game-day analyst for CBS' NFL Today. Deep Dynasty owners can hang on for a little while longer, but it probably won't pay off.

Tony Gonzalez insists that he'll remain retired after accepting a position with CBS' NFL Today.

Gonzalez had previously left the door open for a 2014 return, but now says he'll see things through with his television job. Gonzalez also said he doesn't plan to hold back as an analyst. "I'll address (issues) as I see fit," Gonzalez said. "I have no problem talking about (things). I think I'll be able to give an interesting perspective." Gonzalez's "retirement" has taken on an air of "believe it when you see it," but we'd ultimately be surprised if he took the field in 2014.

Tony Gonzalez has been hired by CBS as an NFL Today studio analyst.

Gonzalez is replacing Dan Marino and Shannon Sharpe, who will no longer be part of the channel's pre-game, halftime and post-game shows. There had been recent rumblings that Gonzalez would return to the field in 2014 for a "stretch run with a contender," but he'll focus on his new gig. The Falcons hold Gonzalez's rights for the upcoming season but have stated all along they don't expect him to play.

Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff says he is not counting on Tony Gonzalez playing in 2014.

Gonzo recently suggested he'd be open to a late-season return on a contender. "I believe Tony Gonzalez has retired and he'll have a fantastic career in the media business," Dimitroff said. Dimitroff didn't rule out the possibility of welcoming back Gonzalez at a later time. The Falcons signed Gonzo to a two-year, $14 million deal last March and control his rights for 2014.

Tony Gonzalez told ESPN's Doug Gottlieb on Friday that he would be open to returning to the Falcons if they open the season with a 10-0 record.

Gonzalez was obviously joking, but he's clearly not given up completely on the idea of playing ball in 2014, hinting at a return twice over the last week. Perhaps by the time training camp starts, the "itch" to play will resurface and Gonzalez will turn in another full year. If Gonzo was dropped in Dynasty leagues, go grab him. He's shaping up as 50:50 to truly retire this offseason.

Appearing on ESPN's NFL Live Thursday, retired TE Tony Gonzalez left open the possibility that he'd sign with a contender for the "stretch run" in 2014.

Gonzalez insisted last month that he was "at peace" with his decision to retire, but the fact that he would even entertain such a hypothetical is proof that he's still not quite ready to call it a day for good. Gonzalez looked like a player who could play another two or three seasons in 2013, so this definitely won't be the last you hear about possible return scenarios. We've got a new Favre on our hands.

Tony Gonzalez reiterated at the Pro Bowl that he will not be talked out of retirement.

Gonzalez, who turns 38 in February, told the Pro Bowl's pre-game show that he's "at peace" with his decision. Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff got Gonzo to renege on his 2013 retirement pledge, but that doesn't appear in the cards this year. Gonzalez will finish his career ranked second behind only Jerry Rice in receptions (1,325). Only Rice, Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Cris Carter, and Marvin Harrison have more career touchdown catches (111).

Tony Gonzalez (toe) is probable for Week 17.

It's expected to be his last game as an NFL player.

Tony Gonzalez (toe) remained limited in Thursday's practice.

Gonzalez is fully expected to suit up for what will be his final NFL game Sunday. The ageless veteran enters Week 17 with 79 catches for 803 yards and eight touchdowns.

Tony Gonzalez caught eight passes for 63 yards and one touchdown in Atlanta's Week 16 loss to the 49ers on Monday night.

Gonzalez was targeted on 11 of Matt Ryan's 48 passes, finishing second on the team to Roddy White (15). The 37-year-old did his usual damage over the middle near the first-down marker and in the red zone. Gonzalez's touchdown came on a broken play where Ryan rolled out and found his tight end in the middle of the end zone for a two-yard score. Gonzalez will end his career next week against the Panthers. He's been a mid-range TE1 all year long.

Tony Gonzalez (toe) is active for Monday night's Week 16 game at San Francisco.

Gonzalez was never in real danger of missing the game, even though he's been limited in practice for the better part of a month. The 37-year-old will play the final road game of his career back home in California. It's a brutal matchup for Gonzalez, however, and he's nothing more than a low-end TE1.

Tony Gonzalez (toe) is listed as questionable for Week 16.

Gonzalez continues to be limited in practice by his toe injury, but is fully expected to play despite being listed as questionable. He's a low-end TE1 for Monday night's game at San Francisco.

Tony Gonzalez (toe) was held out of Falcons practice Thursday.

With two weeks to go in his NFL career, Gonzalez has likely already gotten in his last "full" practice. He'll be a low-end TE1 in Monday night's game against the 49ers.

Tony Gonzalez caught six passes for 62 yards and one touchdown in Week 15 against the Redskins.

Tony Gonzalez (toe) is active for Week 15 against the Redskins.

Gonzalez was listed as questionable once again this week but was never in danger of sitting out. He's a mid-to-high TE1 against Washington's leaky defense.

Tony Gonzalez (toe) is listed as questionable for Week 15.

The Falcons regularly list skill-position players as questionable even when they are fully expected to start. Such is the case for Gonzalez against the Redskins, who have been leaky in coverage of tight ends throughout the year.

Tony Gonzalez (toe) remained limited in Thursday's practice.

Gonzalez may not get in another full practice for the rest of his career, but he'll be ready to roll as a TE1 against the Redskins on Sunday.

Tony Gonzalez (toe) was limited in Wednesday's practice.

Gonzalez has been taking Wednesdays off the last few weeks for precautionary reasons. He's in no danger of missing Week 15 and will be a mid-range TE1 against the Redskins.

Tony Gonzalez caught three balls for 25 yards and a touchdown in the Falcons' Week 14 loss to the Packers.

Gonzo caught his two-yard touchdown on a little slip route off the right side of the line in the second quarter, essentially getting wide open. He'll be a mid-range fantasy TE1 play against the Redskins' sieve-ish defense in Week 15.