There is no “Free” in Free Agency
Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff promised that the team would not be emotionally driven when making some tough decisions this offseason.
The team’s laser-focused evaluations have pushed several players into free agency including longtime local legend Keith Brooking.
Also, out on the free agency market are cornerback Domonique Foxworth, safety Lawyer Milloy, linebacker Michael Boley, defensive end Chauncey Davis.
The team is clearly planning to rebuild the defense.
Milloy and Foxworth must be replaced in the secondary.
Brooking and Boley, both of the outside linebackers are exploring other opportunities.
On the line, nose tackle Grady Jackson is also a free agent.
That’s five of the 11 starters. However, linebacker Coy Wire, who started for Boley late in the season is set to sign a two-year deal on March 1st.
The good news on offense is that they have the “Bruise Brothers” – right guard Harvey Dahl and right tackle Tyson Clabo – back. Both were restricted free agents.
Here my list of five possible free agent targets for the Falcons:
RON BARTELL, CB, Rams: Could be a nice replacement for Foxworth. He went to Howard University, so we know he’s smart.
MIKE BROWN, S, Bears: Savvy veteran who could stabilize the unit.
L.J. SMITH, TE, Eagles: A decent pass-catcher, but would have to get reacquainted with blocking. (My man PhillyDawg told me that the next block he throws will be his first. That won’t flow well with offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey.)
DRE BLY, CB, Broncos: The veteran cornerback market could be a nice option.
SEAN JONES, S, Browns: Former Georgia Bulldog is the type of combo safety the Falcons covet.
Also, we’ll check on defensive end PAUL SPICHER, 33, who spent time with head coach Mike Smith and defensive line coach Ray Hamilton in Jacksonville.
So do you like the Falcons’ moves? Where is Brooking going to land? Would you welcome him back if the free agency thing doesn’t work out? How can they let Foxworth go? Share your list of free agents you’d like to see the Falcons pursue.
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198 comments Add your comment
Deep South Falcon
February 27th, 2009
11:44 am
The only reason Chris Houston is not a B-U-S-T is because he was not drafted in the first round. They guy is “Big Play Ray” all over agian. At least he does not run his mouth like him Ray Buchanan!! Dre Bly is too old, and Mike Brown is one stubbed toe away from retirement! Come on DOB, We are looking for younger, not two year rent a players like L. Milloy!!
GATORZONE
February 27th, 2009
11:45 am
Apparently Pettigrew did not impress too much at the combine. IF Jamall cannot shed a block on the outside, how well will he do in the middle? It seems that he is rather weak when it comes to an up the field push.
A.S.
February 27th, 2009
11:47 am
i will definitely miss Keith. He has been in Atlanta for as long as I can remember. The Falcons need to address their needs defensively via free agency by adding some veterans. They can they draft some rookies.
E-Roll
February 27th, 2009
11:50 am
D.O. Led, I haven’t heard anything about Stephen Nicholas and Trey Lewis lately. If they are both in good shape for the 2009 season, I think that two of the spots on our defense could be covered right there.
Also on the NFL website, Vic Carucci has Demetric Evans and Mike Montgomery as defensive ends and Jim Leonhard at safety as players that can add some pop to teams at a price that is a bargain in today’s NFL. Do you have any thing on these guys?
TheManMike
February 27th, 2009
11:50 am
I say we keep all the available Safties where they are and keep for that Polomalu type in the Draft…..GOD I LOVE TROYS LOCKS!
Dennis
February 27th, 2009
11:56 am
I am both a Falcons and UGA fan, but appreciate what Brooking has done over the years. Those of you who belittle him and others because of the college teams they played for are total idiots. When they get to the Falcons, they are Falcons, plain and simple.
Grow up, whiney babies.
Seth
February 27th, 2009
11:57 am
I say we DRAFT Lauranatis, ya his stock fell in the combine but I say we either take him at 24 drop back a few spots and then pick him up. Im not sold on the Oklahoma TE. I think the Defense should be the top priority.
Sportznutt23
February 27th, 2009
12:07 pm
Here’s some FAs I wouldn’t mind if the Falcons signed:
S Sean Jones
LB Mike Peterson
LB Jonathon Vilma
S Mike Brown
DE Paul Spicer
DT Grady Jackson (is always welcome back)
Look for in the Draft:
1 Brandon Pettigrew
2 Michael Johnson
3 Rashad Johnson
4 Asher Allen
Strawman
February 27th, 2009
12:22 pm
Hey, Brooking and Foxworth, and others aren’t gone yet. The Falcons can still sign them and may have inside track given their success here. I agree that Brooking will not get big offers elsewhere and will probably re-sign. Since Dimitroff has lifted the ban on signing Georgia players I’d go with Jermaine Phillips at S. I’d push real hard to keep Foxworth and Chauncey and make Chauncey the starter at DE. Don’t understand not pursuing Haynesworth unless they are resigned to a big cap hit from Vick. Maybe draft an outsdide linebacker like Cushing (upfield speed please not a sideline to sideline guy like Brooking.) Need a big DT, I think Raji will be long gone but maybe round 2 another guy or bring in a second tier FA. Grady may last one more year. I’m a bit hesitant to say keep all the same guys after a relatively mediocre year defensively but that’s the way I’m leaning. Glad to see Clabo and Dahl back- we have 8 draft picks and I don’t care if they are all Defensive players. I still think you can’t have enough cover corners so I’d go for one (Allen?) somewhere rounds 1-4. Even first round if there is a good one there.
How much cap room do we really have now that Brooking and others are off the books?
Reno 911
February 27th, 2009
12:26 pm
Welcome back, VS2. Have fun pulling for the Redskins this year. They’re going to suck.
BugKiller
February 27th, 2009
12:30 pm
D-LED!!!
I know exactly where Brooking will end up, and he will go there for less money, too.
The only team that will offer him a chance to play within himself and his diminishing skills, that won’t ask a lot of him running around trying to do what he can’t do, that’ll put him in the middle of a 3-4 defense, letting him clog the middle of the line, and the only team that will give him a chance to win a Super Bowl before he retires.
The New England Patriots.
They value experience, even if the experience is as washed up as lets say a Junior Seyou or Keith Brooking, who can be out-right liabilities when asked to be true starters on different teams.
Keith Brooking can disappear into the anonymity of the Patriots defense, be a part-time player, and win a ring.
Trust me. Brooking is going to New England for one or two years to join their aging linebacker corps to back-up Bruschi and Vrabel.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 27th, 2009
12:31 pm
Love most, though I get the feeling that the loss of Chauncey Davis could come back to bite.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
February 27th, 2009
12:32 pm
Just did a spot with 790 guys Jeff Wolverton and Brandon Adams. They were hyped on the Falcons moves. Wanted to know if Derrick Brooks would be an option for the Falcons.
GATORZONE: DAVIS could be back if no one offers him starter money.
JG: Nice lineup.
POOR McKAY: Houston is going to face some competition for sure. The Falcons want him to play more physical.
STUCK IN SC
February 27th, 2009
12:34 pm
Its about freaking time! Brooking, don’t let the door hit you in the a$$ on the way out!
Hunk Erdown
February 27th, 2009
12:34 pm
Brooking is a class act and imo has had to play above his ability to have lasted as long as he has. Unfortunately, his ability just don’t cut it. I also cannot agree with wasting a roster spot on him at any price. If the Falcons are to do as good or better than last year, those roster spots are going to have to be tough decisions on really good players. Or at least on some young blood that we can bank on their future. Lauranitis may be a decent fix, but it would be great to be able to get a Ray Lewis clone.
As far as Brooking goes, I think he would make a great Linebacker coach at a D-1 school. I wish him the best and hope he will go out with his pride and dignity.
David
February 27th, 2009
12:36 pm
How about Keiaho at LB, just released by the Colts, draft Peria Jerry DT Ole Miss, Chase Coffman, TE Missouri, Connor Barwin, DE Cincinnati, Alphonso Smith, CB Wake Forrest.
Darrin "The Vent King"
February 27th, 2009
12:37 pm
Brooking has always put his best effort out on the field and I will always admire that about him, but at one time or another in every NFL player’s career the time will come for a change. I’m not just talking time for him to leave, but the possibility of him testing the market, not getting the price he thought he’d get, coming back in a reduced role (for league minimum) and helping mentor our future line backing core. If he leaves, so be it and best of luck, but I actually think we could benefit in utilizing his experience and teaching some positive things to next generation of LBs we’ll end up with. Either way, I’m not going to cheer too loudly the departure of one of our players that put it out there everyday, but do realize this move needed to be made for some time. So just say I’m “respectfully” glad this is happening and wish KB luck where ever he ends up.
GO FALCONS!!
Joe
February 27th, 2009
12:41 pm
Can someone please tell me why antonio smith is even an option?????!!!!!!! The guy played on a 9-7 team that had one of the worst defenses in the league and we want this guy!!!!!!! Who cares they had a lucky streak to make it to the super bowl!!! What does this guy offer us?????? If he was so good he would have made his defense good!!!! Now if anybody can explain to me what this guy has to offer then please do but until then I am completely against going after that loser!!!!
Also how come we can’t be major players in the free agency????? If the redskins can sign haynesworth to a $100 million deal and hall to a $54 million dollar deal them why can’t we sign atleast one good if not great free agent?????????
richbrave
February 27th, 2009
12:44 pm
D.O.LED:
DAN SNYDER collects FA’s like a night-time thief in OCALA stealing grapefruits from a farmer’s grove. While the TITANS and the new regime in ATLANTA shun these misanthropes, UNCLE DANNY provides them with a collective home, and the playdough to spend on shrinks who attempt to make them less sociopathic. Meanwhile, the results show on the field. You have nothing to fear from the REDSKINS, FALCONS fans. They will continue to be mediocre whilst you ascend the NFL’s hirarchy of teams toward a SUPER BOWL victory. Roll on.
BugKiller
February 27th, 2009
12:46 pm
That overrated sissy from Ohio State, Laurinitis, would just be more of the same we got with Brooking:
Can’t cover fast backs in the flats.
Can’t cover tightends up the seem, or slot recievers on crossing routes.
Makes the majority of his tackles 8 yards down the field when he plays actual good teams.
LSU and SoCal specifically targeted that overrated CLOWN in their offensive game plans and thoroughly embarrassed him.
As Peter King quoted a defensive coach at the Combine in his MMQB column who asked Laurinitis, “When the hell has a linebacker come out of OSU and been worth a $hit?”
Andy Katzenmoyer, AJ Hawk, and now Laurinitis… all NFL BUSTS.
Dimitroff is smart. He won’t be drafting the overrated, crappy, and SLOW players from the Big-ZERO anymore.
It’s SEC, Big-XII, and SoCal all the way with Dimitroff.
David
February 27th, 2009
12:52 pm
Foxworth has signed with Baltimore. Hope Von Hutchins is healthy. Plus, we still have Brent Grimes at CB.
Joe
February 27th, 2009
12:56 pm
The salary cap doesn’t affect the redskins or the cowboys so why in the hell does it keep us from signing any good fee agents!???!!!!!!???????? I’m pissed that the falcons actually think that starting over completely on defense is what we need!!!!!!! Sign some big free agents and then build through the draft. NOT drafting our defense through the draft!!!!! I mean sure we will find some good if not great defensemen in the draft but to think we will rely on going to the super bowl with all rookies and some part time veterans ( wire ) is absolutely insane!!!!!!!!!!! Thomas dimitroff is really starting to piss me off!!!!!!! Spend some money on much needed pieces on defense and then draft the other needs and we should be fine!!!! But mark my words. We will not go anywhere anytime soon with coy wires and rookies on defense!!!!!!!!!!!!! D Orlando Ledbetter what do you have to say about that???????
Greg
February 27th, 2009
1:00 pm
Would love to know why the Broncos released Bly. Is there a red-flag story there?
Greg
February 27th, 2009
1:02 pm
Mike brown has been hurt a lot. Wouldn’t go there.
BugKiller
February 27th, 2009
1:03 pm
Joe,
You’re an idiot.
You don’t know a damn thing what it takes to win a Super Bowl. Thomas Dimitroff does.
The Patriots made ONE large free agent expendature in their time as the only dynasty of the free agency period.
ONE.
And Roosevelt Colvin got hurt, and didn’t contribute to the Super Bowl they won that year.
They got everyone else on the scrap heap, like Corey Dillon.
Or fleeced teams in trade, like with Randy Moss.
They sign middle-tier guys who play within the system, with no egos, and who help the TEAM, not the I.
They also let their guys go when they demand more money than they’re worth, like with Adam Vinitieri.
And the Patriots DRAFT well, even though they’ve been in the bottom half of the draft every year this century.
But you would have the Falcons blow their wad on two players like the Redskins did, when the Falcons have far more needs than two players.
You’re a moron. Dimitroff knows exactly what he has to do. He’s a Grand Master Chess Champion who is 10 moves ahead of everyone, including you, because he learned from two other Grand Masters, Pioli and Belichick.
He got us FOUR starters in last year’s draft. He will pick up a few, team-first free agents to be starters, and a few more for depth (I’m hoping on hard-hitting Sean Jones).
Then he will OWN the draft board, getting the Falcons even more starters.
So shut the frak up, because you know absolutely nothing.
Kappellmeister
February 27th, 2009
1:05 pm
Hey MIKE – nice job misspelling ‘retarded’.
Sportznutt23
February 27th, 2009
1:07 pm
BugKiller…
Amen.
mars
February 27th, 2009
1:14 pm
Hello? Come on, people! The O-line still needs attention, and unless I’m mistaken Jon Stinchcomb is available. Signing him is much more important that tight end right now. Remember, this is a big tight end draft. Stinchcomb and Phillips, everything else can be addressed in the draft.
Reality Time
February 27th, 2009
1:14 pm
Vick Supporter 2: Yes, DeAngelo Hall can sign really big contracts. The problem is that he never stays with the team long enough to collect. He didn’t do anything in Oakland and did very little in Washington. Washington just happens to have an idiot owner. Wait until Hall is able to produce and collect all of that big new contract before you start calling him a “cover corner” again. And yes, I’m still happy he isn’t in Atlanta.
Mark
February 27th, 2009
1:15 pm
Just heard about Fox signing with the Ravens. Big loss for the secondary. Gotta go after Bartell. Found a highlight video of him online. http://broadbandsports.com/node/24121
Sportznutt23
February 27th, 2009
1:21 pm
Everyones worried about the secondary, as am I… and I think our D-line is going to be fine (TD will add something there)… But guys, our linebacking core is suffering right now… That is where the big name free agent needs to come (at LB)!!! I’m still a big advocate of Sean Jones though… Go Dawgs!!!
JG
February 27th, 2009
1:24 pm
BugKiller,
You are wise, I will read your comments.
Mars,
Yes we need Oline help, but not as immediately as Defensive help.
I wouldn’t doubt that we draft Andrew Gardner from Ga Tech in The 6th or 7th round. Because we are looking for a serviceable backup till we can draft a starter, maybe 2010?
JerseyFalcon
February 27th, 2009
1:40 pm
Thank god TD didn’t go after Albert! As for Brooking and all these other Georgia players..just because you went to college in GA doesn’t mean you will be a great player for the falcons. I am not from GA, so I am not bias. I am from North NJ..and with that said, Do NOT draft Brian Cushing…one roid test will ruin him. Pick up Philips as a saftey, maybe Rogers from the browns, if he is cut. Bartell as corner and then draft the rest as needed.
D Money
February 27th, 2009
1:47 pm
Liegh Bodden-CB (big, quick corner)
Sean Jones- SS big safety that has pretty good coverage skills and a big hitter.
Everything else get from the draft.
Seth
February 27th, 2009
1:57 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9-k7Czh_ww
GATORZONE
February 27th, 2009
1:59 pm
Bugkiller.. I agree, Joe you are an idiot! Look what years of free agent signings have done for the Redskins and in previous years, the Falcons!
Build through the draft and with team first players!
Maddog
February 27th, 2009
2:01 pm
Gee, big loss. He looked about as good covering passes as I do in a Speedo.
JerseyFalcon
February 27th, 2009
2:06 pm
What did the Falcons give up to acquire Foxsworth last year?…was it a 5th round pick, or a 7th?
Joe
February 27th, 2009
2:09 pm
Bugkiller,
Ok first of all I never said break the bank on anybody!!!!!! All I said in a nutshell was that an ALL ROOKIE defense will not go to the super bowl!!!! You may need to learn to to read before you start bashing peoples comments like that!!! TD has and does a hell of a job doing what he does and yes I understand the patriots drafting low and still succeeding but what rebuilt team do you one of that went to the super bowl with all rookies???? The patriots were by no means a rookie rebuilt team they picked up free agents and then built through the draft! Over the years then finally it was super bowl after super bowl for them which also had to do with coaching! I was wondering how other teams like redskins and cowboys seem to never me affected by the salary cap yet we can’t get 1 big name to help lead our defense like a ray lewis to help the younger rookies develope!! So please answer my question! What all rookie defense do you know of that went to the super bowl? Let alone win it!!
BugKiller
February 27th, 2009
2:20 pm
Dude… again, you’re an idiot.
Curtis Lofton. Coy Wire. Chauncy Davis. John Abraham. Chris Houston. Even Jamaal Anderson if they turn him into a decent tackle.
That’s 6 experienced, non-rookie starters.
Free Agency is EXACTLY 14 hours and 16 minutes old.
Dimitroff will get who he wants, when he wants them.
The salary cap DOES affect the Cowboys and Redskins, moron.
When’s the last time either of those teams won a playoff game? The Cowboys haven’t since 1996.
Why? Because they sign big “name” players for more money than they’re worth along with their big egos, and then they have NOTHING left over to help with depth.
Depth is what keeps you in games in the 4th quarter, something teams like the Cowboys, Redskins, and Raiders, with their idiot owners, can’t ever seem to grasp.
They also throw away draft picks like it’s cool to trade for overrated, past-their-prime players as well. Would you have Dimitroff do some of that?
Calm the frak down, shut the frak up, and stop typing. For your own good.
JG
February 27th, 2009
2:21 pm
Seth
It is amazing how good you can make someone look through the magic of video?
Weak Conference, horrible bowl record.
SEC 3 National Championships in the last three years, and USC, Oklahoma, Texas are all NFL player Factories even the ACC has a ton of quality of NFL players.
I don’t want to hear about Ohio State anymore.
darrell starks
February 27th, 2009
2:22 pm
Defense defense and more defense big loss with fox worth a solid CB,and now chaunce davis is gone another solid backup at defensive end, in this this year draft we need defense only. GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
poppa falcon
February 27th, 2009
2:27 pm
A HEALTHEY Von Hutchins will MORE than make up for the loss of Foxworth
Seth
February 27th, 2009
2:28 pm
My bottom line is this, We need people who can: open field tackle / Lay the wood / Injure / Cause concussions / make you stomach curl when you see the replay… we need them at OLB, Safety, and anywhere else where we made cuts… You know its a bad sign when your safety (Milloy) had the most tackles on the team, because that means the 7 guys in front of him didn’t… so i dont casre who it is but we need those kind of players.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
February 27th, 2009
2:32 pm
http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/falcons/stories/2009/02/27/domonigue_foxworth_atlanta_falcons.html
FOXWORTH GONE TO BALTIMORE.
FOUR YEARS, $27.2 MILLION
JG
February 27th, 2009
2:35 pm
Seth,
I agree with that statement.
We need hitters!
TD will find them.
Reno 911
February 27th, 2009
2:40 pm
Foxworth’s presser with the Ravens is about to start on NFl Network. Losing him may hurt. Any ideas as to how TD fills all these Defensive holes? We need two OLB’s, at least one Corner, a safety, and a TE. Can’t fill all those with rookies. I’d bet TD will try to net one of the safeties out there in FA: Sean Jones or Jim Leonhard. We should steer clear of LJ Smith. He’s not the versatile TE that the offense needs. The draft is deep in LB’s (at least in the first two rounds) and TE’s, but do we dare fill four of these five positions with rookies? Joe is right (in part) in his assertion that rookie defenses don’t win championships. I don’t believe the Falcons are building to win a championship this season, though. This team is still two years out. Next year’s schedule will be tough, the team will grow, learn, but ultimately disappoint compared to 2008. Yes, they could have legitimately made it to the NFC title game last year, but were in reality just barely good enough defensively to hang. They’ll get better, but won’t be a top ten unit this year. the pieces just aren’t there. What do you guys think? How many rookies play significant playing time on D next year, and who are they? Matthews or Cushing at OLB (1st round)? DJ Moore or Alphonso Smith at Corner (2nd rounders)? Coffman at TE (3rd)? I used to subscribe to the thinking that Jeria Perry at DT would be just the push we needed in the middle, but with all of these holes at OLB, C, and safety, I think drafting toward that need gets put on the shelf for a year, and we just have to hope that Trey Lewis pans out.
Joe
February 27th, 2009
2:44 pm
Bugkiller your the only idiot I see!!!!! Your incompetent a$$ still haven’t answered my question!!! What all rookie team has went to the superbowl???? And didn’t the falcons sign big free agents last year!????!! Yes they did you idiot!!!!!!!! His name was michael turner and don’t forget jason Elam!!! Without those two holding down the run game and field goal unit down where would we have been???!!!!!! And if you aren’t going to answer my questions then don’t waste my time responding you illiterate person!!!!!
darrell starks
February 27th, 2009
2:47 pm
The first pick LB JAMES LAURINATIS OF OHIO STATE OR BRIAN CUSHING OF USC SECOND PICK SEAN SMITH OF UTAH WHO CAN PLAY SAFETY OR CB WHO WILL BE A BEAST IN THE NFL I would play him at safety with coleman third pick DT Dorrell Scott from CLEMSON TIGER OR ALLEN ASHER FROM GEORGIA. GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JG
February 27th, 2009
2:55 pm
If we have to take the hit for Vick on our Salary Cap.
When do we do it? I agree with Reno 911.
Don’t expect the Falcons to repeat last years record. We have a incredibly hard schedule and Do we may want to take the majority of the Vick hit on our Salary cap this year?
So that in 2010 we can be bigger players in free agency or early round signing?
I am not sure how it works maybe someone can explain. How do you sign Haynesworth for $100 Mil, Hall for $56 Mill, and have room under the salary cap to pay your 13th pick in the draft? Or any early picks in the draft? They still have Chris Samuel, Portis and Cambell right? How are they staying under the cap?