Tony Gonzalez expects the Falcons to "work with (him)" on his training camp schedule.
"The lines of communication are open," Gonzalez said. The 37-year-old tight end wants some extra family time heading into his 17th NFL season. It's unclear how much time Gonzo has in mind, but he may not be a regular presence at Falcons Park until mid-August. It shouldn't be a concern for one of the game's hardest workers.

Falcons re-signed TE Tony Gonzalez to a two-year, $14 million contract.
The deal contains $7 million guaranteed. The 2014 side of the deal will almost certainly be treated as a player option. Gonzalez's 2013 cap charge is $5.25 million. Newly 37, Gonzalez racked up 93 catches for 930 yards and eight TDs in 2012, ranking third among tight ends in fantasy points. We expect he'll be a top five or six finisher again in 2013. Dirk Koetter's pass-first offense has a buoying effect even if Gonzo's on-field performance slips a bit.

Updating an earlier item, free agent Tony Gonzalez has "informed the Falcons he's coming back," and is "working out a new deal now."
"After discussing it with my family and really, truly struggling with this decision, I informed the Falcons I would like to return for one more shot," Gonzalez told FOX's Jay Glazer. It's a coup for persistent GM Thomas Dimitroff, and takes a major need off Atlanta's shopping list. The Falcons could still search for Gonzo's replacement in the draft, but not until the mid-to-late rounds. It would be unsiwe to expect Gonzalez to match his 93/930/8 line in 2013, but he returns as a locked-and-loaded TE1.

Free agent Tony Gonzalez has given the "green light" to his agent to negotiate a contract with the Falcons.
It's happening. Super agent Tom Condon will begin to "explore" an agreement on Tuesday, but it's "unclear whether a deal could be struck immediately." As previously reported, Gonzalez is believed to be seeking about $7 million, and would like to skip some or most of training camp. Considering the desperation with which the Falcons have pursued him, those shouldn't be major stumbling blocks.

SI's Peter King reports free agent Tony Gonzalez is leaning toward returning for a 17th season in part because a "golden (T.V.) job hasn't opened" up.
Gonzalez can blame Ray Lewis for that, who reportedly struck a deal with ESPN before the Ravens' season was over. Gonzalez was still playing at a high level in 2012, but the Falcons could have reason to worry about his commitment level if he returns. His reported desire to skip a chunk of camp is understandable, but an obvious indication he already has one foot out the door.

USA Today's Jim Corbett reports free agent Tony Gonzalez is expected to inform the Falcons that he will return for the 2013 season.
The report cites a person familiar with Gonzalez's thinking. "There's a pretty darn good chance that he comes back," the person said. "He's been chasing that Super Bowl for a long time. If I was a betting man, I'd say he'd be on the side of trying to come back." When Gonzalez returns -- likely on a one-year deal worth about $7 million -- the Falcons are expected to put him on a limited training camp regimen out of respect for the 37-year-old's body. Gonzo has been selected to 13 Pro Bowls. He's the NFL's all-time leader in receptions (1,242) and yards (14,268) by a tight end.

The Falcons are "cautiously optimistic" that free agent Tony Gonzalez will return for his age-37 season, but only at the right price.
That "price" appears to be $7 million and the luxury of being able to miss some or all of training camp. "If we offer him the money, he'll most likely be back for one more," said one team source. "He'll most likely be looking to miss training camp, though." The heightened salary request isn't expected to be a major road block, though the whole missing camp issue could. "The money is there," a source said. "Working out the days he can miss is the biggest holdup."

Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff acknowledges the sooner free agent Tony Gonzalez makes a decision on his future, the "better" it will be for the team.
The Falcons had previously insisted Gonzalez was under "no timetable" to make a decision, but they'd clearly like to know his answer before the start of free agency. "Tony needs to come to his decision and be at peace with his decision," Dimitroff said. The Falcons have little to lose by ratcheting up the public pressure on Gonzalez, but the future Hall-of-Famer - and free agent - holds all the cards in negotiations.

ESPN's Ed Werder reported on SportsCenter Tuesday that free agent Tony Gonzalez is beginning to "waver" on his previous retirement plans.
"I'm told virtually everyone in the Falcons' organization has been campaigning for Gonzalez to make one more Super Bowl run," said Werder. "And I'm told that he's beginning to waver. The people who have spoken to him seem to believe that they're making progress. In fact, one player close to Gonzalez told me 'I think, if the circumstances are right, that Tony Gonzalez will return.'" We also expect Gonzalez back. He has too much good football left.

SI's Peter King believes free agent Tony Gonzalez could be "feeling out his TV opportunities" before deciding whether or not to re-sign with the Falcons.
Smooth and insightful during interviews, Gonzalez will surely draw interest as an analyst, so the Falcons are in trouble if King is correct. However, King believes the situation is "fluid," and that Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff saying it's "50-50" his tight end returns was a "significant step" toward Gonzalez signing up for one last ride. We believe Gonzalez ultimately decides in favor of one last run toward the Super Bowl.

Profootballtalk.com wouldn't be "shocked" if teams other than the Falcons reach out to free agent Tony Gonzalez.
Neither would we, but it would be shocking if Gonzalez considered signing with anyone else. Within reason, Gonzalez will be allowed to name his price in Atlanta, and knows firsthand the Falcons are a Super Bowl-quality team. The tea leaves are beginning to suggest Gonzalez will sign up for one more ride, and it won't be anywhere other than Atlanta.

Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff believes "it's a lot closer to 50/50" that Tony Gonzalez returns.
"I don't believe, not stating that he would be lying to anyone, but I don't believe the 95 percent," Dimitroff said on Pro Football Talk. "I want to believe it's a lot closer to 50/50, to be honest with you, and we've had discussions." Dimitroff added that when the personnel staff reviews the 2013 roster, Gonzalez's name has stayed on it. The tide is starting to change, and it's looking more and more likely that Gonzo may try to make another run with Atlanta at a Super Bowl. He'll have to sign a new contract to do so, though, as he's a free agent. It shouldn't be a major hurdle.

Falcons coach Mike Smith reiterated Wednesday there's "no timetable" for free agent Tony Gonzalez to reach a decision on his NFL future.
"I don't that there is anything concrete in terms of a timetable," Smith said. "But I think that conversation will take place. I had a conversation with him the week after the season and we'll probably have another here real soon." ESPN's Chris Mortensen recently reported the Falcons were planning a "Brett Favre strategy" with Gonzalez - i.e., persistent, desperate pleas from his teammates to return - but Smith insists he won't place "any additional pressure" on the future Hall-of-Famer. Gonzalez made it clear near the end of 2012 he was ready to hang it up, but a few months of reflection may lead him to realize he's still playing at too high of a level to call it quits.

ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported on NFL 32 that Roddy White and the Falcons are planning a "Brett Favre strategy" with free agent Tony Gonzalez, who was leaning toward retirement late in the season.
"Roddy White today revealed that they plan the Brett Favre strategy with the Vikings," said Mort. "Which is, go to California where Tony lives, recruit him, get him on a plane, and drag him back to Atlanta eventually." Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff is adamant that he wants Gonzalez back for his age-37 season. Gonzalez has plenty of gas left in the tank and the Falcons will return as Super Bowl contenders. We wouldn't be surprised if Gonzo is lured back.

Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff said on Thursday that he is lobbying hard to convince Tony Gonzalez to return in 2013, but said there is no deadline for a decision.
"A guy who is 36 catching 100-plus balls, it just doesn't seem like it's time for him to move on," Dimitroff told ESPN.com. "It's not going to be an easy decision for him one way or another because he knows that he still has fuel in the tank and it's very legitimate fuel in the tank." Dimitroff said he would like to know Gonzalez's decision sooner rather than later, though. The Falcons will need to sign the soon-to-be 37-year-old to a new contract if he does return, which still seems unlikely.

Coach Mike Smith said he will have a "conversation" with Tony Gonzalez regarding the tight end's possible retirement.
Following Sunday's NFC Championship Game loss, Gonzalez said his mind is "pretty much" made up. But Smith is "hoping for the five percent," a nod to the slim chance T-Gonz has said he'll be back for his 17th NFL season. He did say that he won't play in the Pro Bowl game because he wants his last game to be "for a team I love and respect." If this is it for Gonzalez, his final season will go down as a first-team All-Pro caliber campaign.

Tony Gonzalez told reporters after Sunday's NFC Championship Game loss that he's "probably" going to retire this offseason.
"It's probably the last time I'm going to wear that uniform," said a choked-up Gonzalez. "I didn't want to take it off, to tell you the truth. All good things come to an end and, like I said all season long, this is probably my last one. What an unbelievable ride." When pressed, Gonzalez said his mind is "pretty much" made up. Selfishly, we are hoping he reconsiders. Gonzalez is still a top-five receiving tight end in the National Football League.

Tony Gonzalez caught eight passes for 78 yards and a touchdown in Atlanta's NFC Championship Game loss to San Francisco.
Lined up in the slot, Gonzalez beat 49ers ILB Patrick Willis for a 10-yard touchdown at the end of the first half to give Atlanta a 24-14 advantage. Turning 37 in February, Gonzalez can still get open with power and smarts over the middle, even if he's no longer a true seam stretcher. While Gonzo has spoken extensively of retirement, we're not so sure he won't get another itch. He finished the regular season third in fantasy tight end scoring and certainly has a lot left to offer an NFL offense.

Tony Gonzalez has increased his odds of retiring after the playoffs from 95 percent to "97 percent."
"He told me today he's moving up to 97-percent sure after that win last week," backup TE Michael Palmer said. "From what I can get from him, if we win the Super Bowl, I think he'll ride off into the sunset." Per Football Outsiders, Gonzalez has more receiving yards in 2012 (930) than every other age-36 tight end in NFL history combined (557). We would not be surprised to see him back at age 37 if the Falcons do not win the Super Bowl.

Tony Gonzalez hauled in six of seven targets for 51 yards and a touchdown to lead the Falcons to a thrilling 30-28 victory over the Seahawks in the Divisional round of the playoffs.
Don't let the underwhelming yardage total fool you. Gonzalez made a series of clutch catches in traffic, including a 19-yarder to set up Matt Bryant's game-winning 49-yard field goal after the Seahawks had taken the lead with 31 seconds remaining. Gonzalez's 1-yard touchdown highlighted his exceptional athleticism and footwork in the back of the end zone. Sunday's barn-burner is the first playoff win in six tries for the future first-ballot Hall of Famer. The Falcons will host the 49ers in the NFC Championship game next week.

Tony Gonzalez still says he's "95 percent" certain that he will retire after the season.
"It's one and done if we don't win, (so) for me, this could be it," Gonzalez said. "There is no tomorrow. There is no saying, 'We'll get them next year.' It's about going out there and finishing on the right note." The 36-year-old is currently No. 2 all-time in receptions, No. 7 in receiving yards, and sixth overall in receiving touchdowns. Gonzalez said he plans to think his decision over well into the offseason.