ATLANTA -- The Falcons cleared $10.375 million of cap room on Monday to get $833,000 under the salary cap, but it cost them their starting quarterback, their alltime leading receiver and a starting free safety.

	Chandler

The Falcons informed quarterback Chris Chandler that he will be released. They also cut all-time leading receiver Terance Mathis and free safety Ronnie Bradford.

Coach Dan Reeves is trying to rework contracts in order to keep halfback Jamal Anderson and defensive tackle Shane Dronett. Last week, they re-signed defensive tackle Ed Jasper to a five-year, $10 million contract.

Chandler was scheduled to make $5.8 million this season, but his release saves the Falcons $3.4 million. His departure opens the door for Michael Vick to be the starting quarterback next season.

Chandler passed for 13,268 yards to rank third all-time on the Falcons quarterback list behind Steve Bartkowski and Chris Miller.

Chandler threw for 2,847 yards and 16 touchdowns this season for the Falcons. He completed 61 percent of his passes.

He came to the Falcons in 1997.

Mathis caught 573 passes for the Falcons from 1994 through 2001. He had 7,349 receiving yards and 57 touchdown catches. The club saves his $4.225 million salary by letting him go.

Bradford had a clause that could void the final year of his contract. He was schedule to make $2.75 million in 2002.