All is quiet on free agency front
All is quiet on the free agency front.
Over the first weekend, the Falcons lost three starters – Keith Brooking to Dallas, Michael Boley to New York Giants and Domonique Foxworth to Baltimore.
Safety Lawyer Milloy and defensive end Chauncey Davis are still out there.
The Falcons are clearly taking a low-key approach to free agency.
GM Thomas Dimitroff told us at the combine that the Falcons would not be major players in free agency. They are clearly not going after any top of the line free agents.
We’ll just keep working the phones and see what’s shaking this week.
Eagles’ tight end L.J. Smith’s name keeps coming up, but his agent Brian Mackler hasn’t confirmed anything on him. Mackler was busy getting Foxworth’s deal done. He also has former UGA and Cleveland Browns safety Sean Jones, who had a quiet weekend in the free agency game.
A couple of other names to keep an eye on are Colts linebacker Freddy Keiaho and Buffalo linebacker Angelo Crowell.
It’s been all quiet on the Derrick Brooks’ front, too.
Agent Drew Rosehaus in Miami has Jacksonville defensive end Paul Spicer, who has connections to the staff.
Are you a little disappointed that the Falcons have not make any moves in free agency?
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137 comments Add your comment
TLH
March 2nd, 2009
9:25 am
No, Were still rebuilding.
geoff cobb
March 2nd, 2009
9:28 am
I would like to see the Falcons add a strong safety- Jones or Jacksonville’s Sensabaugh would fit nicely. The linebacker corps has been depleted. Smith might get reunited with Peterson who could have two years left.
We only have a few draft picks and there are no guarantees they will pan out. Look at what happened with Jamal Anderson. We need to get a safety, cornerback, two linebackers, a defensive lineman, a tight end and backup offensive line help. You cannot address all that through the draft.
Kurt
March 2nd, 2009
9:29 am
No, not disappointed at all. Just anxious. Our new GM and coach earned my trust last year with the moves that they made and even the ones they didn’t make. Unlike past years, we now have competent football people making the football decisions for the Falcons. All will be fine. Drink the Koolaid people. I have. In TD we trust.
jimmy
March 2nd, 2009
9:35 am
hey d-lo,,,while i hated to see boly and foxworth leave not all is negative,,,we did receive draft choices for the ones that left,,and with davis and milloy out there still to be signed,,,that could be 2 more we receive (according to espn’s winners/losers report). i am just glad this administration doesnt give in to local “pressure” to add former bulldogs and jackets for “sentimental reasons”.
Jerry
March 2nd, 2009
9:45 am
I forgot about the compensated draft picks. What round picks do we get?
A draft pick for Brooking. A draft pick for Boley. A draft pick for Foxy. Maybe 2 more. Smooth move TD. Next year the team should have a little worse record than this year. The rebuilding, the high turnover and the harder schedule will make things tough. If we make the playoffs next year then the following year we will go to the super bowl. With few injuries of course.
hawesg
March 2nd, 2009
9:47 am
Sure, I’m anxious. There are five holes on this team. WLB, SLB, CB, SS and TE. You can’t fill all those holes through the draft. I’d love to see them make one big move for a CB like Bodden or McFadden, but I know they won’t do that. So you might be looking at a defense with a rookie SS and spare parts at CB like Grimes and Hutchins across from Houston and his matador defense.
Since it looks like they might go with Delmas in the first round, they’ll be left with a mediocre OLB pick in the second and a TE like Beckham in the third. Meh. The defense did it with smoke, mirrors and grit last year. And it’s gotten appreciably worse since then.
kd
March 2nd, 2009
9:48 am
We get a 3rd for each (Boley, Brooking and Foxworth). We will get another for Milloy IF we don’t sign comparable players. That could be 4 3rd’s for 2010, which is ammunition to move up as needed.
This year might be a bump in the road, but we’re building- which is not a 1 year process.
hawesg
March 2nd, 2009
9:50 am
Brooking, Foxworth and Boley were unrestricted FAs. Maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t think we get compensation for those unless it’s a late round sandwich pick.
marko
March 2nd, 2009
9:54 am
The pressing needs seem to be linebacker, safety, cornerback and a passing threat at tight end. If Dimitroff can address all those holes through the draft alone I’ll be more impressed with him than I already am. If it were me, I’d want to feel a little more secure at one or more of those areas before the draft. Truth be told, Thomas and Mike likely have a half dozen or so players in mind. They’re just waiting for the asking prices to return from the twilight zone.
brew
March 2nd, 2009
9:54 am
I trust that we know what we are doing and we are on a course of inproving without overspending. Adding players is about more than just talent, it’s also about being the right fit for the team and community. I believe that we are doing our homework and will add the necessary pieces without emptying the Brinks truck.
SeminoleWarrior
March 2nd, 2009
9:56 am
D-Lo, Jimmy is on target here. With the three signings, the Falcons are in line for some compensatory picks this year and possibly next, right?
What we all have to remember is that this is a very uneasy position for the team to be in. We still do not know how much of the cap will have to used on the remainder of the Vick deal so we have to hold cash close at this time. The draft can resolve some of the issues. What we TRUE fans have to remember is that we won a lot of games last year with some LUCK; we were AND are, a very young team that is being built for the future. Let TD and Smitty work the process they started. And in a few year, we will be CONSISTENT contenders and perhaps, a Super Bowl champ. And D-LO, what is the latest on Trey Lewis? If he is not ready to go, Ziggy Hood or Ron Brace move to the top of my board. My suggestion would be that we begin the transition to a 3-4 defense right now for the LB corps in the draft this season sets us up for big time success in the future. Or perhaps, a deal can be made for DT Vince Wilfork, a player TD scouted and drafted in New England who is a UFA after this year. D-LO, what do you think?
Khao$
March 2nd, 2009
10:03 am
From a one year perspective? Yes, I am concerned. I preface my concern by saying “one year.” All last year,even through the winning, the Falcons said they were sticking to the “process.” I doubt very seriously that they thought winning 11 games in the first year of the “process” was in the books. I figure, they planned on being competitive. However, the team exceeded expectations. After winning eleven games, it would be a step back if we had a losing season. And I’m sorry, I don’t see us winning a bunch of games with a bunch of rookies and second year players on defense. Consider this: the first year of the process, we got rid of a bunch of players. However, the biggest players we got rid of were on the offensive side of the ball (Crumpler and Dunn). Sure we got rid of Rod Coleman and DeAngelo Hall. However, Hall ran himself out of town. Had he been a good citizen, he may have been in a Falcon’s uniform. My point? The first year, we got rid of offensive pieces that didn’t fit long term. This year, the process calls for getting rid of defensive players that don’t fit. Thus, Milloy, Brooking, Boley, and even Foxworth were allowed to walk. Long term, I believe Dimitroff is building a winning product. However, in the context of coming off a winning season and building expectation, I concerned that Dimitroff will put a bunch of youngsters on D. Why not? He gave the keys to Matt Ryan last year to lead the offense. Turner was never a starter. Roddy only had one good year and Jenkins was awful up until last year. Baker was pegged to protect Ryan’s blindside. We didn’t have a pass catching tight end. Get the picture? Last year, our offense did things that it wasn’t supposed to do. However, it was very young and very inexperienced. Now, I believe he is doing the same thing with the defense. Long term, it will be to our benefit. In the short term, I’m scared. Again, I’ve never seen a bunch of rookies and second year players be competitive on D. Who knows, Dimitroff may get some cheap players that can provide leadership. However, I can only see him going young next year on D, in the same manner he did on offense.
PMC
March 2nd, 2009
10:14 am
nothing that shocking really, Foxworth was overpriced for what he was though we would have liked to have him back. Boley is a very good player, but not the right fit. Brooking is past his prime and he’s got a better deal for him in Dallas.. so good for him.
The falcons will get some compensatories which is great. Next year will be a small step back but I’m confident they can go 9-7. They aren’t signing big name vets this off season. They are definately going to find some solid vets to bring in and supplant the youth. I have full confidence that TD knows what he’s doing and has a plan.
They know their holes even better than we do. Boy it would be nice to have Owen Daniels lineing up at TE though.
That being said, do your thing TD.
marko
March 2nd, 2009
10:16 am
Tony Gonzalez wants to finish his career playing for a contender. While he’s not the player he once was, in his case that only means that he’s gone from super awesome to plain old awesome. He does’nt need the money at this point he’s pretty much set for life. The guy’s still playing because he wants to be wearing a big gaudy ring. When he shows up at Canton. Dimitroff does’nt need my advice, but if he were to ask it I’d tell him to ask his old buddy Pioli what he wants for Tony.
dredd_one
March 2nd, 2009
10:20 am
Hawesg – Compensatory picks
Compensatory picks are 3 – 7th rounders and are awarded based on a formula that takes into consideration: net loss of FAs, what they ended up signing for, a ranking of that player, etc. (32) I believe are awarded. It looks like the Falcons are stocking 2010 with good mid round picks. Brooking, Boley, and Foxworth all signed for respectable sums. If we end up with a net loss in FAs. Those have a good chance of turning into a 3, 4, 5 or maybe 4,5,6. Very smart play. That way you get something even WITH a UFA. Not help for this year but a LOT of potential depth / hidden gems for next. I like the process.
chc4
March 2nd, 2009
10:26 am
One more note on compensatory draft picks… they cannot be traded. So we can’t use whatever comp picks we receive in a package to move up in the draft.
dledbetter
March 2nd, 2009
10:28 am
THE DEAL ON COMPENSATORY PICKS: Under terms of the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, a team losing more or better unrestricted free agents than it acquires in a year is eligible to receive compensatory draft picks.
The picks for this year will be announced later this month at the owner’s meeting.
Falcons should stand to get some picks in the 2010 draft if they keep losing players and don’t sign any major free agents.
Last year the Atlanta Falcons received a third-round compensatory pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. The pick was the No. 35 selection in the third round (No. 98 overall). That pick was used to select safety Thomas DeCoud, who played mostly on special teams last season but figures to get a chance to earn the starting spot vacated by Lawyer Milloy.
Navin Arizona
March 2nd, 2009
10:34 am
Guys, don’t go overboard. We won’t be getting 3 3rd rounders. That’s not how it works.
Comp picks are based on **NET GAINS & LOSSES** in free agency. We don’t get picks just based on who we lose. It’s also based on who we sign. Losing Brooking, Boley & Milloy – all starters – is only part of the equation. If we were not to sign anyone else, then, yes, we might very well net a 3rd rounder or two. But if we bring in players who (a) make more money and (b)start, then those offset our losses.
Additionally, the comp picks are awarded the year *AFTER* your losses. In other words, any compensation we get for these guys won’t come until the 2010 draft.
Navin Arizona
March 2nd, 2009
10:35 am
Oops. Didn’t see Orlando’s post before I posted.
dredd_one
March 2nd, 2009
10:35 am
Compensatory picks – part deux
Again even if they are mid to late rounders. Look what a good front office can do with those. Not all will be hits, but more picks = more options. You give TD and Smith an opportunity to play to their strength..the draft. And don’t forget the other abilites multiple picks give. Trade bait for teams that are trying to unload players before they do become UFAs etc. More chances with people who know what to do with them = good things for Falcons fans.
dredd_one
March 2nd, 2009
10:38 am
The comp picks may not be able to be traded, but they can be kept and our regular draft order ones can. Thereby still giving us options options options.
clthurman
March 2nd, 2009
10:40 am
I thought the compensation picks for the free agents lost this year would be awarded for this year’s draft…it looks like 3 3rd rounders so far. Please correct me if I’m wrong….hope not. I thought we lost the ball when it came to Foxworth who seemed to thrive in our scheme last year. He was young and only had an upside to him. Don’t understand Dimitroff reasoning behind this…if it was money that’s a load….we have zero for a secondary now that is top shelf. I would love to hear this plan.
tom jackson
March 2nd, 2009
10:44 am
I have to admit I have more trust in the current eadership than thse of the past. We lost some quality, we also lost som that were just names we all were fond of. I would like to see a coue of seasoned veeterans in camp to replace the linebackser and defensive backs. As time moves on some quality wll be left on the table and we might pick up a diamond in te ruff. Also we have adequate draft picks and local appeal that there will be plenty of competition. Let the brain thrust work and the boys play. In the end I believe we will have a more than proven group on the field of play at sesons open.
Flappin' Falcon
March 2nd, 2009
10:44 am
No surprises here. The Falcons and many other teams have been quiet in these 1st few days after the FA period kickoff. When you are interested in mid tier free agents, as the Falcons are, you don’t go after anybody too fast. If you go too fast after a mid tier FA their value will get inflated. They will sign a couple FAs when the time is right. I still think they will receive a Compensatory Pick, but I don’t think they are holding off signing FAs so they can get CPs, which are typically very low picks and untradeable picks.
TD & MS have a game plan. I believe they will make solid decisions.
JWS
March 2nd, 2009
10:49 am
Definitely not dissapointed in losing Brooking, Boley, and Milloy. I keep hearing we lost the leaders of our defense. Well, they lead us to the 24th ranked defense last year, yeah, no thanks. I am not sentimental, as you can see.
I am also very happy the Falcons didn’t go out and overpay for players. You don’t see good football teams do that. I believe we will still get some midlevel guys to help out, but ultimately winners are built through the draft.
If we can go out and get a Ronald Bartell, Sean Jones, Angelo Crowell, Paul Spicer, Monty Beisel (not all of these guys obviously)…maybe some guys like this to come in and start, we will be better off then overpaying for Bart Scott or Albert Haynesworth.
Incredulous Reader
March 2nd, 2009
10:50 am
For the last time Ledbetter, the man’s name is Paul SPICER!! There is no ‘h’ in his name. How long have you been covering football?
And why on earth would we be interested in LJ Smith? That makes no sense at all. We can find a better pass-catching TE in the draft for a lot less money.
The only player thus far that I think our GM should be remotely interested in is Jermaine Phillips, S from Tampa, to replace Lawyer Milloy until DeCoud or some other draftee is ready to take over the job.
GSU-Lee
March 2nd, 2009
10:56 am
DOL
What is your take? I am a little worried that they seem to be doing nothing, but at the same time, all the core guys are in place for the birds…and as a fan I learned to trust in Dimitroff and Smith…
Cameron
March 2nd, 2009
11:04 am
Lack of activity does not concern me. I just want to know who we are targeting. I would like to add Sean Jones or Jermaine Phillips. There are real good safeties in the draft, at least not as good as to where they are being projected to be drafted. We can get DTs, TEs, LBs, and CBs in the draft, not safeties. Just don’t overpay, which is probably why we haven’t done anything yet. We will do things on our terms, which is good.
GSU-Lee
March 2nd, 2009
11:10 am
And what a dissappointment Boley turned out to be.
T.C
March 2nd, 2009
11:15 am
Why people keep mentioning that we recieve picks for the players we lost?do your home work there are no picks for unrestricted free agents.
mark
March 2nd, 2009
11:16 am
interesting that lj smith and sean jones share the same agent..
maybe theyre part of the incoming FA class this year, a la Coleman, Hartsock and Hutchins last year…
marko
March 2nd, 2009
11:20 am
Mock drafts are alot of fun. Last year I learned that Matt Ryan was’nt a top ten talent, and Sam Bakers arms were too short. Too bad Dimitroff does’nt read mock drafts; then he’d be as smart as Mel Kiper. You’ve got to admire a guy that only has to work one day a year.
chump Change
March 2nd, 2009
11:23 am
We may not look like a discount team,but our moves in FA give us away.Look out NFC south We’er falling fast.Back to back winning seasons gone by the wayside.
BLACK AND RED DAWG
March 2nd, 2009
11:25 am
JUST FIVE NAMES ON MY WISH LIST ALL CAN BE HAD 1)JAMES BUTLER(SAFETY)FROM GIANTS 2)ANGELO CROWELL (LB)BUFFALO 3)TRAI ESSEX(OT)STEELERS 4)TONY CURTIS (TE) COWBOYS 5)DWAN EDWARDS(DT)RAVENS OR KALIMBA EDWARDS (DE).
tryanx
March 2nd, 2009
11:35 am
I am a little anxious. I am not so upset with the losses of boley or brokking but the loss of foxworth was a bitter pill. That being said. I am not that worried because we had five rookies start last year and they were fine. I would like to know what these players that have been starter on special teams can do when given the oppertunity to start.
Everybody keep saying how hard the schedule is next year but lets look at it. AFC East, are we really scared of Buffalo, and the Jets? We have a chance aginst Miami and that leaves New England. The NFC East, are we scared of the Redskins and Dallas? We were one bad call away from beating the Eagles and until the Giants get a deep threat they a very beatable. I am not sure what everyone is soworried about the schedule for.
Bottom line I have faith in the front office and to be honest as long as that albatross vick contract is hanging around our throats we are cash short as far as the cap goes.
TD Please draft Clay Mathews and maybe Asher Allen.
welikebaseball2
March 2nd, 2009
11:37 am
SEKOU: Yeah, I’m a little disappointed. It’s not like we get 2 picks in the 1st round. I know starters don’t necessarily have to be found in the first round…but trying to find an immediate-impact plalyer, much less a starter, outside of the 1st round can be a bit of a reach. If we focus on a safety for the first round & we haven’t picked up a cornerback or linebacker in free agency, how do you then replace 2 additional starters with 2nd & 3rd round picks? Same applies if we pick up a linebacker or cornerback in the 1st round. I’m not saying we have to load up on free agents, but I don’t understand how we can anticipate replacing 3 starters with 1st, 2nd, & 3rd round picks.
welikebaseball2
March 2nd, 2009
11:38 am
DOL: Oops, didn’t mean to call you Sekou!!! My bad
jfalcon
March 2nd, 2009
11:41 am
I trust our falcon braintrust but i dont like the idea of drafting for need. I also dont like overpaying for FAs but getting maybe angelo crowell and lj smith on one year rebounding contracts and maybe a versatile safety like sean jones who fits our system of interchangeable safeties. That way we can draft the best player on our board and not reach for needs.
Ryder
March 2nd, 2009
11:44 am
What some morons like chump Change doesn’t understand is what Atlanta is doing is simply smart business. This team is still rebuilding and are setting themselves up for developing a very good, young team in the future.
As far as the defense is concerned, Coach Smith wants his type of players who will play within the defensive scheme. Great franchises like the Steelers and Patriots don’t make big splashes in free agency and that’s why they are always playing in January. Atlanta is looking to reach that point.
As long as they use this offseason to build on both the offensive and defensive lines they will be fine in the long run.
Ernest
March 2nd, 2009
11:50 am
I’m not disappointed, partly because I understand how the market works. After the ‘big ticket’ free agents are signed, the ‘working class’ free agents begin looking for deals. Hopefully the Falcons can pick up good players within the realms of the budget set by TD.
At this point, he’s earned my trust with respect to his talent evaluation and knowing how available players will fit into the overall team scheme. This is a building process and ‘overspending’ is something we should not do at this stage of the game.
GATORZONE
March 2nd, 2009
11:53 am
We need to go after Jermaine Phillips.
JWS, I agree. No sentiment in football. GSU-Lee, what is your take on that? After 07, I thought we had a great future player on our hands. Why would he perform better for that sorry-@$$ed Petrino than our new coaches?
JMar
March 2nd, 2009
11:53 am
For those still asking questions about compensatory picks, understand that a) we don’t get those picks until next year, and b) those picks are based entirely on how those players perform NEXT SEASON. If Brooking gets hurt and misses half the season, if Milloy doesn’t sign somewhere, if Foxworth is relegated to nickleback – all of these things will reduce the value of our picks. Also, signing ANY free agents can seriously affect our picks. We got a third rounder for having lost Patrick Kerney, but almost didn’t get ANYTHING because we had signed Lewis Sanders; he just barely missed the cut as a valuable free agent signing.
GATORZONE
March 2nd, 2009
11:56 am
Hey, chumpchange have you seen what is going on down here in Tampa? Talk about running a franchise on a shoestring… Falcons are making smart moves building a solid foundation.
AtlSouthside
March 2nd, 2009
11:57 am
The Falcons have messed up by #1 not resigning Milloy, Boley & Foxworth, and #2 relying so much on the draft. We only have a limited amount of draft picks, and the worst thing the Falcons can do is go out next season with the 4th toughest schedule and expect good results with such a young team. Vets belong on the defensive side of the ball. Through free agency, we could have at least signed some decent LBs or a CB to replace the ones that we lost…
I can guarantee that we will not be 12-4 next season.
jimmy
March 2nd, 2009
11:58 am
ok,,it wasnt espn,,,it was SI.com http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/02/27/signings/1.html
Saturday’s News
Lose now, win later
It’s too early to determine the winners in free agency, but one team that bears watching is the Atlanta Falcons — even though they have no plans to sign a prominent player.
The Falcons recently released cornerback Domonique Foxworth and linebackers Michael Boley and Keith Brooking because none figured prominently in their plans; and thanks to other teams’ interest in the players, Atlanta stands to garner three third-round compensatory draft choices in 2010.
Compensatory picks are awarded if it is deemed that a team lost more and/or better players than they acquired during the previous year’s free-agent period. With Foxworth getting $16.5 million in guarantees from the Ravens, Boley securing at least $10 million in guarantees from the Giants and Brooking receiving an undisclosed amount from the Cowboys, the Falcons could be the ultimate winner by doing nothing, or very little, in free agency.
In fact, Atlanta could secure a fourth compensatory pick if former starting safety Lawyer Milloy signs and produces with a new team. Talk about working the system.
– Jim Trotter (6:49 p.m. ET)
AtlSouthside
March 2nd, 2009
11:58 am
Falcons need to sign Shawn Springs
bigeasy830
March 2nd, 2009
12:07 pm
They should have anted-up to keep Foxworth, he is a very good cover corner. He was almost lockdown last year, he will missed by that defense. The Ravens got a steal by signing him for that price compared to the money the big name corners are getting. D-Hall got 54 mill and Foxworth is definitely a better man to man coverage corner than him. Great post by KHAO$. But I don’t think the youth movement will win against next years schedule. That schedule is brutal, one glaring weak spot may be Tampa. But, you need vets that have been through the wars in the trenches with you against that schedule. 11 wins in 2008 was great but 6 wins or less in 09 will be a huge step back, the fans in Atlanta are impatient and the dome was not truely sold out last year, many tickets were bought by businesses and given away as part of promotions. 6 wins or less and the fans will start screaming for heads to roll and Arthur Blank will start medling again. If the Falcons go 8-8 next year against that schedule, they will be a contender in 2010. That is why I have blogged if they go 8-8 I will stay off you Falcon fans blogs in 2010.
robdawg08
March 2nd, 2009
12:07 pm
After coming off an 11 win season, this team should not regress and claim its rebuilding. Sure we have a 2nd year QB in Ryan but why would R.White,M.Jenkins,M.Turner,etc. want to be a part of a rebuilding process ? These guys are in their prime right now. It is smart to build for the future but how can you expect fans to support a team next year coming off 11 wins that is gutting the team of its veterans ? Boley and Foxworth were good players that will be missed. If these 5 free agents are replaced by better free agents then there’s a good chance you compete for a Super Bowl run next year. I hate reading all these people saying “they are building for the future”. TD proved he is capable last year. But if he expects only this year’s draft to replace these 5 players immediately then he is crazy. The good teams win now and build for the future. I don’t want a tight-waded GM that won’t go after the good free agents that can help you continue winning NOW. I’ve read all negative comments on Keith Brooking and its sad. This guy remained a Falcon for 11 years and was the only reliable player on defense for those 11 years. He has slowed down for sure but he just signed a 3-year deal in Dallas. He moved on to teams that want to win NOW along with Boley,Foxworth,Milloy,etc. because of this REBUILDING. I don’t want to win in 4 years. I want to win next year just as we did LAST year.
AtlSouthside
March 2nd, 2009
12:11 pm
I agree wit RobDawg
robdawg08
March 2nd, 2009
12:19 pm
If he is banking solely on the draft to build this team all he will be doing is making good players of guys that will jump at free agency as soon as they can. Players aren’t going to be satisfied with chump change while veterans that they are better than already are making millions. The Expos tried this same strategy in MLB and all that happened was they built top players (Pedro,Vladdy,R. Johnson,L.Walker,C. Floyd) for the Yankees and other free spending teams. I can’t believe a team coming off 11 wins is busting up the team and rebuilding. I’m going to be a Carolina Panthers fan next year, I think. I like teams that want to win now and later. Not just later. I hope I’m wrong and maybe the Falcons will sign some good free agents.
Big Tee from the West Side
March 2nd, 2009
12:20 pm
No I’m not bothered by it but I would like to see us get a Sean Jones, Jermaine Phillips, Gerald Sensabaugh, Bertrand Berry, or Paul Spicer because we do need help at those positions. As far as linebackers I’m cool on whatever they decide but personally I would love to see them give Stephen Nicholas a serious look because he’s a bonafide beast.
Susette
March 2nd, 2009
12:20 pm
Foxworth NO NO NO NO Brookings should have been gone he can’t tackle no-one!!!! Lets just see what we get during the DRAFT!!!!!!!
Susette
March 2nd, 2009
12:21 pm
Enter your comments here
Marcos
March 2nd, 2009
12:25 pm
Yes all the nfc east we face nex yeaer are makin big signings,we lost 4 startes i am from mexico city and i really belive in the TD all the way but we need a lot of help in the secondary,what about trades,peppers still in reach,lj smith.there are a lot of cb in the maket and we really need one,i would like sean jones or darren sharper
drew
March 2nd, 2009
12:25 pm
yes, very dissapointed. every other team in the league is at least tessting the market while we are sitting on our hands. how is our horrible defense gonna get better?
robdawg08
March 2nd, 2009
12:27 pm
My point is that if this is truly a rebuilding forfeiting the next two years then trade M.Turner,R.White,M.Jenkins,and other veterans too.
The Falcons would have been 7-9 without those 5 players last year. They will be 6-10 next year if they don’t replace them. Maybe a lot of you can handle that okay but it will just make my blood boil when ESPN says every week “Back to the same old losing Falcons as they got hammered by the Panthers 41-14.”
JeanE
March 2nd, 2009
12:29 pm
Not at all! We are doing it the right way, staying away from all of those overpriced too old past their prime players we don’t need or want to break the bank for! I’m not worried at all about the 3 we lost, it would’ve been nice to keep Fox but he priced out of our range. We’ll draft smartly (I hope!) and plug in our holes the right way. Dan Snyder is an idiot! And Good luck with Brooking in Dallas, I think Wade Phillips is remembering the Keith of 5 yrs ago, not the guy who who is today. His best days as so far in the rearview mirror you can’t see them!
robdawg08
March 2nd, 2009
12:35 pm
Face it for next year, the Redskins,Giants,and Cowboys will all make the playoffs and only Carolina and maybe the Saints will come out of our division. Brooking on the Falcons defense with average to poor players around him on defense ain’t so good. Add him to a team like the Cowboys that have a top defense and he will shine. Just watch.
robdawg08
March 2nd, 2009
12:39 pm
Brooking led the team in tackles several years. I’m not that disappointed that he’s gone because he has lost a step. I’m disappointed that many of you are calling him a bad player after his great career (pro bowls) with the Falcons. One bad year after 10 good years and he sucks ? I guess ya’ll will bad mouth Chipper Jones in about 3 years too ?
Falcons' Biggest Fan in Canada
March 2nd, 2009
12:41 pm
After the stellar job Dimitroff and Company have done so far with the offense, one must have faith that they know what they’re doing. I keep thinking about his time with the Patriots, where players who were relatively unknown came in and contributed to the team as a whole. Seems like the same thing is going on here. Sure, it would be exciting to have Haynesworth or Derrick Brooks dressed up in a Falcons uniform, but if the team sucked it wouldn’t be fun for long. Better to have no-name cogs working as part of a bigger, successful machine, than a few big gears spinning with nowhere to go.
JM
March 2nd, 2009
12:42 pm
If I were Dimitroff, my two priorities right now would be to re-sign Chauncey Davis and bring in a veteran safety (as a Georgia fan I’m partial to Sean Jones or Jermaine Phillips but a guy like Gerald Sensabaugh would do). Re-signing Davis would kill two birds with one stone – we’d solidify defensive end while allowing Jamaal Anderson to move to defensive tackle, where I think he could thrive. If Davis is too pricey to bring back, Paul Spicer would be a serviceable short-term stopgap.
Boley and Brooking weren’t terrible losses. It’s clear Stephen Nicholas is going to take over a starting spot in ‘09, which made both of those guys expendable. I was glad to see we kept Coy Wire, though, because he’s a low-cost solution who outplayed both Brooking and Boley last season. With Curtis Lofton anchoring the middle we’re pretty solid at linebacker, although we could stand to add a little depth in the draft.
Foxworth was the only guy I was really sad to see go, because I felt if he could have been retained we would have been well set at corner next year with Chris Houston and Chevis Jackson being a year older and Von Hutchins coming back from injury. We’re still okay there, but Foxworth was our best player at that position last year.
darrell starks
March 2nd, 2009
12:46 pm
DEFENSE DEFENSE DEFENSE LETS GET GO TD, GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
singndablues
March 2nd, 2009
12:58 pm
If any of these moves have been based on financial problems then I would be concerned. Got to wonder about the financial health of the franchise. We’ve taken some financial hits the last couple of years and the economy tanking can’t be helping. Blanks a rich guy but everyone ones wealth has been losing value lately.
So Orlando, what is the financial state of the franchise and is it having any impact on acquiring players?
Clayton
March 2nd, 2009
1:10 pm
I believe the main reason our dirty birds aren’t making a lot of noise in free agency is simply the Mike Vick situation. Remember if/when he gets released all the guaranteed money he is still due hits the salary cap the next two years. If he is traded, it wouldn’t be as bad, but if they don’t plan for that, and they go over the cap, they have to start releasing other good players. Unfortunately, this is what has to be done. Good work by the Falcons GM on this one.
CMass
March 2nd, 2009
1:10 pm
we should go after a TE, CB, and SS through free agency and fill the rst of the spots in the draft, although we do need a DT we still have abraham that can always put pressure on the QB, we should try and get lj smith at tight it could help out matt ryan even though he made out last year with justine peele, at CB we try ang get someone like mccalister, mcfadden, or dre bly, we need some veteran talent at the position with chris houston as the starter who is only a second year pro, and at SS there are a few descent players on the market that we should pick up, I know TD wants to do it through the draft but we need to make some pickups
tbhawksfans
March 2nd, 2009
1:23 pm
TD will piçk up at least a couple of FA contributors. I see him waiting till the market settles down, then grabbing a couple of guys at reasonable price; young, mid-level guys. After he does that, he”ll likely find two or three starter quality guys in the draft and matbe a couple to develop.
It seems like that would field a good, competitive team while still maintaining “the process”.
Brooking really wasn’t very valuable to the Falcons next year, deffinately not beyond. Boley had a really bad year, was a FA and the Falcons determined that they didn’t want him. Milloy (see Brooking). Foxworth played well. I guess TD thinks that the young guys can finish growing into the role, or this could be one of the holes he’ll fill in FA.
Mort Merkel
March 2nd, 2009
1:33 pm
I’m only disappointed that Foxworth is gone. Wish we could have re-signed him.
Mort Merkel
March 2nd, 2009
1:35 pm
Did Billy Knight become the Texans’ GM? Nobody understands why they paid big bucks for Orlovsky, who nobody even wanted. The Cassell-Vrabel trade to KC was Belichick doing Pioli a favor.
Mac
March 2nd, 2009
1:39 pm
Darryl, man, get a new picture for your blog. The one you’re using now makes it look like you’re afraid somebody’s about to slap you upside the head.
dredd_one
March 2nd, 2009
1:42 pm
TC do YOUR homework.
If we have a “net loss” of talent in free agency whether they are UFAs or no, and they are given a high enough weight due to salary signed to, etc. We will receive compensatory picks for next year. A simple search on ESPN or NFL.com will take you to articles explaining the process.
GATORZONE
March 2nd, 2009
1:52 pm
Hawksfan you make great points. I am disappointed about Fox too, but just like TD found him last year he has other plans in mind or he would not have let him go.
JG
March 2nd, 2009
1:55 pm
I have heard a lot people say they don’t think drafting is the only solution. But, As I watch Pittsburgh, and the Patriots I would say they are doing something right ( A couple of Championships in that group).
Redskins, Oakland, Dallas, & the Jet’s continue to pay big money for high priced Free agents and haven’t had much so show for it. Dallas- the Last time they won was when the drafted Aikman, Smith and Irving. Not T.O., TANK, and Pacman as free agents.. Redskins- The list of FA’s is too long to comment, For the Jet’s Farve didn’t work out too well did he?
Come on people, have faith in TD and MS. Everything we have done in the past has not worked, so maybe it is time to try something different!
ShamusThacker
March 2nd, 2009
2:02 pm
I believe the Falcons have offers on the table for Vick’s rights. Even if he’d XXXXXXXXXX, there are owners (Jerry Jones, Al Davis) who’d covet him, FOR SURE. Everything I’ve read on the matter indicates lukewarm interest at best. BAAAAAAAAALONEY!!! When it gets down to cases, the Falcons will receive a king’s ransom for MV. Do you honestly believe SOME owners are gonna just sit around waiting for the Falcs to cut him? THEN hope he doesn’t sign with another team? NO WAY that happens. It could end up being similar to the Minnesota/Dallas-Walker trade. Whether you love or hate him, MV is a phenomenal football talent. QB, “Wildcat” RB, Receiver, Returner, and STADIUM FILLER; yeah, he’s gonna be mighty popular when trading time comes. Jerry and Al with make sure of it.
Call me crazy. Wait and see….
NiteOwl
March 2nd, 2009
2:11 pm
I appreciate RobDawg08 and ATLSouthside balancing things out a bit, but I’m drinking the TD Kool-Aid like most everybody else here. We’re not really “RE-building” so much as we’re building on last year. We’re making sure we stay good (or great) for years to come.
I’m also going to stick my neck out and say that I think we’re actually better as a defense right now, having subtracted Boley, Brooking, Milloy, and Foxworth. Get Chevis Jackson or Von Hutchins ready to take the other CB spot by Game 1, and get DeCoud or Fudge ready to take the safety spot.
A lot of coaching, learning, and improving goes on between now and throughout the OTAs, training camp, and pre-season.
For example, did anyone think our offensive line would perform the way it did last year? That was coaching, pure and simple. Did anyone think our D-line would be as decent as it was? That Babineaux would step up? That they would use Abe the way they did (resting him and keeping him fresh) and have it work out the way it did?
Remember everyone was so obsessed with what we were going to do at DT last year, and that TD was crazy for not drafting one. Who wants Glenn Dorsey now?
So that bump on your head is not the sky falling. It’s TD sneaking up on you while you were looking the other way.
This Gets Old
March 2nd, 2009
2:15 pm
How do you know how “tough” the schedule next season will be? When teams last season saw Atlanta Falcons on the schedule how many of them do you think had a sleepless minute over that? Answer? None (well their fans didn’t anyway)
It’s Dimitroff’s head on the chopping block people. Don’t you think he’s done his homework? The money is in reality a non-issue. Michael Vick isn’t owned REAL money, it’s just an accounting number. Does anybody really think that a guy like Haynesworth is going to get $100M? He’ll get the $41M and probably no more than that.
The reason you have to be careful about signing anybody now is because ‘10 is an uncapped year, ‘11 is a lockout year (which most of you will call a strike and side with the owners) and from then on out there is no more salary cap. If the owners succeed in getting the players a lower percentage the salary cap is gone forever.
Reno 911
March 2nd, 2009
2:22 pm
Look at the Patriots over the last few years, then think of how TD is guiding this process: Win in November and December, not in the February-March headlines. No doubt, Turner was a huge addition, and without him, the Falcons probably win 4 or 5 fewer games last year. However, for the most part, long-term winners aren’t built through FA. Is it easy to fill the vacancies left by the departures of Brooking, Boley, Milloy, and Foxworth? No. But can anyone honestly say that re-signing any of those players would be worth the money that other teams are paying them (or in Milloy’s case, keeping him and paying him what his contract was worth)? In a salary-capped league, teams can’t pay more than players are worth and succeed in the long-term. It will always comes back to haunt them. For these players, the market wanted to pay them more than they were worth, and TD was smart to let them go. Will the Falcons win 11 games again next year? I’d say no. The smart over-under would probably be 9 wins. But is our division getting stronger? Not really. The Saints kept a couple of keys players, but their defense isn’t that much better. The Bucs have committed to rebuilding, and are probably a six-win team next year. The Panthers are relatively strong again, but are they really that good? They kept Peppers, who will play unhappy, and their -line is still intact to head a strong young running game, but their QB is a little suspect. The Falcons aren’t built to win the Super Bowl next year, but they are built to get a wild-card or win a mediocre division. Their being built to contend for the NFC/SB in 2-3 years. Let’s see what two or three FA’s the Falcons sign to help out at either Safety, O-line, and OLB. The rest will come through the draft, and in 2010-2012 will be solid.
AtlfanAllDay
March 2nd, 2009
2:29 pm
One Quick observation about free agent splash…….Who has Pittsburg drafted…..what about New England………and how about Arizona…..or the Colts……..These are teams that have been successful for a long time and I dont see any of them making major moves right now……Seems to me that T.D. is getting it right……
AtlfanAllDay
March 2nd, 2009
2:30 pm
well Arizona went to the Superbowl this year but you get my drift
Wendall
March 2nd, 2009
2:35 pm
I am not surprised at all. Look at what the Patriots are doing they just traded away a quaterback and a defensive end. by doing so they were able to gain cap space and pick up additional draft picks. i feel that thats the blueprint that Thomas Dimitroff is trying to instill here, have a good draft and pick up midlevel players. its the system not the players.
Reality Time
March 2nd, 2009
2:37 pm
I don’t believe we could have kept Foxworth. I think his move was a lifestyle choice more so than money. If the offer had been from anyone other than the Ravens I think ihewould have resigned with the Falcons. But as it is, with the Ravens, he is basically going back home.
Mac
March 2nd, 2009
2:37 pm
Reno, you’re being generous with the Bucs, I think. Those guys look to be in the tank big time next year. After that, who knows? Or, heck, their new guys might be another Dimitroff and Smith. That’s what makes it all fun.
garcia
March 2nd, 2009
2:40 pm
Keeping it simple is the key. Here are my suggestions for signings:
Leigh Bodden. A six-foot CB with good man-to-man coverage.
Mike Wright. A backup DT for NE for the past four seasons. A good quality player at an even better price.
Suggested trade: Explore a trade for John Henderson. I hear that they might be willing to move him.
Reno 911
March 2nd, 2009
2:41 pm
Right on, Wendall. It’s a team game, all 53 players have to make key contributions. This ain’t the NBA, where 8 guys play, and of those 8, you can make it deep into the playoffs if 3 of them are good enough. Let Dallas and the like collect as many big names among their top 15 players as they like, because the lack of quality and depth among the other 38 will undo them. Like I said at the beginning of FA, I’d rather have five Coy Wires and some cap space than one Albert Haynesworth. Haynesworth’s a good player, but he’s only one good player for about 40 snaps a game.
Joe
March 2nd, 2009
2:42 pm
No big deal, defense was offensive anyway
Brent S.
March 2nd, 2009
2:50 pm
Well, I’m sort scratching my head, but I do believe in TD. However, I will say, that I don’t feel too comfortable with a depleted Defense, with John Abraham being the ONLY consistent player we have. Jamal Anderson has yet to impress me. Grady Jackson is up and down. Our LB corp now is young and inexperienced. They only veteran we have in the secondary is Erik Coleman. With Foxworth gone, Chris Houston is the only cover corner we have, and that isn’t saying much. Milloy had to help cover his guy half the time last year. That late 4th qtr. TD that Chicago made last season proved to me that Houston is NOT a quality starter. He’s at BEST a so-so back up. I agree with several people that have said you won’t get a revamped defense in the draft. It will take a year or two for young draft picks to get seasoned. By my perspective, we need another QUALITY DE to help out Abraham. Possibly another good DT. At least 2 LB. A saftey and 2 CB. So that’s that’s 6 players in all. If we don’t hit the FA market for at least 2 players, then we will be lucky to have 8 win’s next year. By having a young defense, that will put too much pressure on the offense and Matt Ryan to put up a lot of points to stay close to other teams. Again, I believe in TD and Mike Smith, but at first glance, I’m a bit hesitant to “feel good” about being “quiet” in the FA market this year.
D Money
March 2nd, 2009
2:50 pm
Everybody that’s in a panic needs to calm down. It hasn’t even been a week. Negotiations take time and the more time that goes by the less we would have to pay for talented players we need. Plus, the Falcons is a team the players aren’t dreading to play for.
SouthernFalconsFan
March 2nd, 2009
2:52 pm
Sean Jones and Antonio Crowell are the answers both will thrive in our system and in our city, TD is doing the right thing by waiting to drop their prices but he needs to get in gear before someone jumps in a steals them. MARK MY WORDS SEAN JONES(as an atlanta falcon) WILL BE A PRO BOWLER NEXT YEAR!
scotty
March 2nd, 2009
3:00 pm
at some point we falcon fans have to lose the 3 lil pigs mentality of rebuilding and put up something strong…forever rebuilding is the reason for NEVER having back to back winning seasons..falcon fans have become so complacent that i think now we expect it..sitting around not doing anything is not how turner got there last year..there are holes that desperately need to be filled and players out there to fill them..but we are just watching them pass by..a 1st round drafted,d-end who goes a year and a half without a sack..how fast do you think he would’ve been shipped out of pittsburg, baltimore, there will be no sneaking up on anyone next year..so if when the playoffs roll around and they are on the outside looking in, we can always fall back on “its ok we are rebuilding”
falcon21
March 2nd, 2009
3:00 pm
Tapate50, if you are teacher save it for your students. We all know who DOL is writing about.
t larry
March 2nd, 2009
3:05 pm
relax impatient fans.i dont think DT and MIKEY have been at the beach all winter.you gotta think they have a rabbit or two up there sleave. id say they did a pretty good job last year. i will just wait a see.
hawesg
March 2nd, 2009
3:11 pm
Hey, I’m not panicking, but if you’ve been a lifelong Falcon fan, how can you not be a pessimist? Nichols and Wire as OLB ain’t that impressive, but maybe they can hold down the fort. Nic Harris MIGHT still be around in the 4th round as a SS/OLB tweener.
But they need to address CB, and I don’t see a lot of top notch CBs in the draft. Houston would be a nickel back on a good team, so while I see their desire to add via low priced mid-level FAs, Foxworth’s departure clearly hurt and they need to address it. Hutchins and Houston defending Smith, Bryant or anybody on the Saints? No thanks.
As for the Patriots, they DID sign a bunch of high profile FAs and trade for high profile players in the past. Randy Moss? Wes Welker? Adalius Thomas?
FalconDawg
March 2nd, 2009
3:12 pm
I agree with TD. I don’t think we should go with short term deals for guys that want alot of money. Going young in the draft seems to work out. We are blessed to have a GM that can see true talent in young players, and build them to a NFL mold. I also agree we can’t pick up every team need in the draft. So far he’s earned my trust
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 2nd, 2009
3:12 pm
Got the laptop fired up. Cell phone is charged. Ready to write some stories. But the Falcons have slipped into the real cold Patriots zone. Looks like the plan is NOT TO WASTE ANY OF MR. BLANK’S MONEY!!! That’s my take.
MAC: Come on MAC. The photographer didn’t have much to work with. He did his best!!!
chc4
March 2nd, 2009
3:22 pm
I’m perfectly happy w/ the organization not overpaying in FA. But it begs the question… why did they jack up season tickets prices? To raise them in this economy and then be frugal is a slap in the face. That’s what ticks me off.
Reno 911
March 2nd, 2009
3:34 pm
HawesG: agree, the Patriots have made some ‘big name’ additions in the past. If there were any team wanting to give away a hall-of-fame talent like the Raiders did Randy Moss, then I’d be up for it. And let’s get real about who Wes Welker was before he was the Patriot’s #3 receiver and caught 112 passes while everyone was covering Moss. Welker was a practice-squad player for the Chargers and Dolphins, had one year as a regular, full-time player for the Dolphins in ‘06. If I recall, I think the Dolphins cut him, THEN he signed with the Patriots and blew up. I’m not saying the Patriots have never been active in acquiring proven players. They have. But they’re not the Redskins, and neither are the Falcons, thank goodness.
PMC
March 2nd, 2009
3:57 pm
They ARE building to win next year and in the future.
Foxworth and Boley got ridiculously overpaid. Boley couldn’t see the field because he over ran too many plays. Thus the reason Coy Wire beat him out for the starting job.
Foxworth is a decent corner but he’s fairly replaceable and no better than Von Hutchins. There are better safeties at this point out there than Lawyer right now and they’ll probably be there still in a few weeks.
They will find guys they can win with next year, but next year will be tougher than this year. They probably will not win 11 games, but like this year they will compete in every game. If the breaks fall our way this year they could have won 14. I’m hoping for 9-7 or better and getting into the playoffs. The problem is that they still don’t quite have enough playmakers to win in the playoffs…. that’s coming… thanks to TD and our Coaching Staff.
That's how you do it
March 2nd, 2009
4:08 pm
TD comes from New England and they don’t overpay for FAs ever. They build from the draft, sign blue-collar, high character FAs who are not going to mess up the salary cap. It’s a great formula that has worked and will work here. Keep up the great work TD and continue to build a class organization that is in it for the long run.
Steve
March 2nd, 2009
4:25 pm
None of these losses were really awful, especially if it portends bigger things in FA. I imagine Grady will remain an option if we can’t find a younger DT. Re-signing Davis would be huge. Going after Tony Gonzalez or even LJ Smith would be a lot better than burning the 1st rounder on Pettigrew (its a shame Gresham from OU went back to school, he’d be perfect). I would have liked to seen Gibril Wilson, but there’s plenty of safeties out there. Adding a Shawn Springs type to bridge the gap at CB would be good as well.
dledbetter
March 2nd, 2009
4:38 pm
LET’S COUNT UP THE MONEY:
– BOLEY, 5 YEARS, $25 million, $11 million guaranteed
– FOXY,4 years, $28 million, $16.5 guaranteed
– BROOKING 3 years, $ 6 million, $2.5 million
Grand total: 12 years, $59 million, $30 million guaranteed.
SOMEONE ASKED YESTERDAY IF Crowell was in town visiting. He was not. No visitors to Flowery Branch have been confirmed.
dledbetter
March 2nd, 2009
4:43 pm
Our good buddy Mike Triplett of the New Orleans Times Picayune is reporting that the Saints have made a contract offer to cornerback Ron Bartell. Tripp reports that Bartell is also considering an offer to return to St. Louis.
http://www.nola.com/saints/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-4/1235975408305390.xml&coll=1
The Real Fan
March 2nd, 2009
4:46 pm
We are under the new salary cap. They increased my season ticket price. They shortened the time I have to pay for them. There were free agnts that could ave helped us. Foxworth knew our system. That hurts us the most. We need veteran leadership on this team and we have lost most of it with nothing to show for it!
Dewey Cox
March 2nd, 2009
5:12 pm
People need to realize that free agency just started on Friday. It’s not like the Falcons have a game coming up this weekend. There is still PLENTY of time to make the necessary roster moves.
Damndawg
March 2nd, 2009
5:37 pm
Brooking fans: God love him, but career means ziltch compared to the last 16 games. We need young speedsters at LB who can hit hard and cover. I’m trusting that TD will grab a SS as there are so many available. We should keep Grady at DL just because he is so dang gigantic and still has some moves.
Rest assured: Blank, TD & MS know all too well that the Falcons MUST go at least 9-7 to put to rest the franchise LOSER stat, before ANY other priorities.
hawesg
March 2nd, 2009
5:40 pm
There may be time, but I’m not sure there are players. Again, CB looks the hardest to fill via the draft, and there are a few CBs who would be a step up from Foxworth (McFadden comes to mind, maybe Bodden) but it’s a steep fall-off after that. CBs are getting silly contracts this winter, and I understand why you don’t want to give a silly contract. On the other hand, who’s going to cover Steve Smith? Antonio Bryant? This team doesn’t have a #2 corner, much less a #1.
Alan
March 2nd, 2009
5:48 pm
Great time of the year, it gives us the opportunity to express our approach to the Falcons. I think whats even better it to sit back and let the brass so their job, stop and think about this time last year an all of the nay sayers. Relax, let them do there thing and see if the results will carry forward in a winning season as it did last year.
Relax, settle down, take it easy and then we can all reap the rewards.
The proof is in the pudding with this leadership team, no one gave them a chance going into this time last year. GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!
Dewey Cox
March 2nd, 2009
6:01 pm
McFadden or Bodden would be fine at the right price. I think the key thing to keep in mind is that the team is looking big picture and with the future in mind. It’d be best to not overpay for a “quick fix” and be saddled w/a crippling contract for years to come, especially if you’re not even sure the guy is the answer anyway. Chris Houston and Chevis Jackson should be solid young CBs. Von Hutchins will be back from his broken foot. Grimes has shown some flashes in certain situations. I’d rather see the team take a step back, if it must, for the 2009 season if that means we’ve positioned ourselves with talented younger players who should have us in position to contend for five years beyond next season. I think either Jermaine Phillips or Sean Jones would be a pretty good fit at safety, assuming you don’t have to break the bank to get them. Phillips could provide veteran presence for a couple years and bridge the gap until a youngster is ready to take over–either someone on the roster now or someone we might draft.
Keeping that perspective is best for the team at this point. I’m sure Dimitroff and company have a plan. After all, we got Foxworth from Denver for a 7th round pick prior to last season. Keep the faith. It’s early.
NiteOwl
March 2nd, 2009
6:10 pm
I am with Dewey Cox, not only for his opinions, but also for the awesome fact that he picked the name Dewey Cox. A criminally underrated movie.
I see the fun in trying to figure out what we’re going to do ahead of time, but I’m not downgrading our current personnel as badly as some here.
The CBs are young (Houston, Jackson) or unheralded (Hutchins, Grimes), but to say we don’t even have a No. 2 CB is taking it a little too far. Who wanted Foxworth last year?
Foxy was good, but we’ll let someone else pay him Michael Turner money. We’ll spend it on guys who are worth it, like say, Michael Turner.
Steve
March 2nd, 2009
6:21 pm
I hated seeing Foxworth go, but the $7 million a year with $16 million gauranteed, I am glad we didn’t try to match that. That is just too much money for a CB unless he is in the ‘near-elite’ category. We have Jackson and Houston who are both capable as starters. I can’t remember if Irons will be back or not as he was on IR last year.
Brooking was a leader, and he will be missed, but he was no longer needed on the field. Too slow to play outside, and Lofton is our MLB, so nowhere to play Keith. Of course, if Lofton gets hurt we could be in trouble.
Boley just stunk last year. I had high hopes for him, and he may still turn out to be stud, but after last year he looks more like an average OLB. We are not stepping down at all with Nicholas and Wire on the outside, though we just signed Wire to hold the spot. We need to look at on OLB for 2010 in the draft this year and groom him for a year or two.
Overall, I love the fact that the Falcons were not afraid to let players leave for various reasons. Brooking was too old, Foxworth too expensive for the return value, and Boley has underachieved. To me, that is a sign of an organization not grasping at every straw. There is only so much money to play with under the cap, and if you can get close to the same value of play for a fraction of the cost, it is worth it. The Falcons are definitely not going to cap-strap themselves with stupid mistakes like many NFL teams have done.
Like many have said, TD earned our trust last year, and so far I really like these moves. Next year we won’t win the Super Bowl anyway, but 2010 is a legitimate shot if we continue to build with youth and then fill in the gaps with one or two big free agents next year (this years crop of free agents is horrible and it is causing average players to be overpaid).
NiteOwl
March 2nd, 2009
6:41 pm
By the way, no one is going to cover Steve Smith one-on-one, but who cares? I don’t remember Foxy, Brooking, Milloy, or Boley locking him down when he came over the middle last year. (Maybe I “misremember.”) Regardless, we beat the pants off the Panthers toward the end of the year. So did the Cardinals, come to think of it.
Be a team, work the scheme, jam him at the line, roll a safety over, try to pressure the quarterback, and remember that it’s only Jake Delhomme throwing to him anyway.
We were a 50-yard Carolina FG miss away (in the last minute of the regular season) from hosting a playoff game and winning the division. I’m not losing sleep over Steve Smith. Let him get his yards. I’m more worried about stopping the run, which Brooking and Boley did not do very well.
As for the rest of the division, I’m really looking forward to crushing the Bucs with our offense, as their last-days-of-the-Roman-Empire defense crumbles around us. We owe them some big-time payback, going back to the days of Warren Sapp doing the “your airplane is crashing” pantomime on the sideline in Atlanta (just after 9/11, no less—classy guy all the way). Looks like next year is as good a time as any to start dishing it out.
As for the Saints, I think last year was their best shot for some reason, and they were 8-8. Can anyone tell me why they’re getting better next year? I guess if you’ve got Brees, you’ve always got a shot. Yawn.
crabapplejoe
March 2nd, 2009
6:44 pm
Reno 911 wrote: “And let’s get real about who Wes Welker was before he was the Patriot’s #3 receiver and caught 112 passes while everyone was covering Moss. Welker was a practice-squad player for the Chargers and Dolphins, had one year as a regular, full-time player for the Dolphins in ‘06. If I recall, I think the Dolphins cut him, THEN he signed with the Patriots and blew up.”
Wow, Reno, try “Googling” Wes Welker before you write. He was the leading receiver for the Dolphins the year before the Patriots traded for him giving up two draft choices. Welker practically single-handedly beat New England several times, with receptions and punt returns, and Belichick didn’t want to face him twice a year so he traded for the Dolphins leading receiver, not a practice-sqaud player…geez. He was also Miami’s leading punt returner and kickoff returner for three straigt seasons. He’s Miami’s all-time leading kickoff returner. So, no Welker was not cut by the Dolphins. Also, it is Welker who gets doubled a good bit on third downs leaving Moss open for TDs. Sports Illustrated did a nice little box article on this fact actually diagraming a play that showed the defense doubling Welker and Moss getting the score. So now you’re doggin’ out the guy who has caught more passes than anyone else in the league the last two years. WOW. Practice-squad indeed. (Out of the utmost respect for you…no letters at the end!)
D. ORLANDO LEDBETTER
March 2nd, 2009
6:49 pm
MIKE MONTGOMERY: First confirmed Free Agency visitor. Former GB Packer DE is a grinder.
NiteOwl
March 2nd, 2009
7:01 pm
Can we consider Montgomery done, since it’s suppertime, and Mr. Blank always takes them for a steak dinner and never let’s them leave town? (Only partly joking)
NiteOwl
March 2nd, 2009
7:08 pm
For the record, my Blackberry spell-check added the apostrophe in “lets” and I know people get called on that kind of thing. Sorry to those offended by bad punktuashun.
BA
March 2nd, 2009
7:12 pm
Digging the bow tie, Ledbetter
Falcon 8211
March 2nd, 2009
7:47 pm
Mike Smith is in macon tonite @ the macon Tounchdown club. he did an interview with the reporter. did not say nothing but that he and TD like the draft.
Strawman
March 2nd, 2009
7:59 pm
It’s taking all of my trust (and TD has earned a lot of it) to not be outraged at the silence on FA front. We’ve lost 3 starters and could be up to 6 key defenders from a defense that, let’s face it, was pedestrian last year. Even if we get the pick of the remainder it is hard to see the defense taking a step forward this year.
Also, DOL, why hasn’t the AJC even reported on how much cap room the Falcons have with these three FA’s gone? I’ve read every article/blog online since Feb 27 and it’s nowehre to be found. Last report was over 20 million before Brooking was let go. We could really make some noise if we are willing to spend any of it. But it looks like even the second tier guys are not on our radar. What is going on?
Ken Strickland
March 2nd, 2009
8:57 pm
It’s truely amazing how uninformed some of our fans are. They seem to think losing CB Foxworh, LB’s Boley and Brooking, and SS LMalloy, along with our schedule, will send us down the tubes. Foxworth can be replaced by one of the 3 CB’x we have returning from IR(VHutchins, DIrons and BGrimes). SS LMalloy was a major liability in pass coverage and his reputation as a major hitter and run defender didn’t prevent us from finishing 24th in DEF. LB MBoley had an off yr because he couldn’t adjust to the new DEF scheme, and had to be replaced. Brooking wasn’t willing to accept the new role the coaching staff wanted him to play and signed elsewhere.
An awful lot of you negative minded fans were crying doom and gloom last yr when we jettisoned Probowl TE ACrumpler, RB WDunn and traded CB DHall. Common sense should tell some of you that losing players that were part of the NFL’s 24th worst rated DEF won’t be that devistating. It was the poor play of LB Brooking and SS Malloy that cost us a chance to advance in the playoffs. It’s truely amazing how some arm chair GM’s think their opinions and preferences are more informed than those of our GM, who helped put together and sustain the 10yr dynasty that is the New England Patriots.
The Cowboys and Redskins have been big players in the FA market over the last several yrs. Their FA acquisitions have electrified their fan base leading into the season, only to fall way short of expectations at seasons end. Even with our FA losses on DEF, our DEF, and team overall, will be better next season.
robdawg08
March 2nd, 2009
9:05 pm
Good points from pretty much everyone here. we are all die-hard Falcons fans and only want what is best for the team to win. The draft is huge and has produced Ryan,S.Baker, & R.White among others. I think we can fill 3 of those 6 needs in the draft this year. But as others have said our division (pretty much the entire NFL) is loaded with top WR’s and we have nobody to cover them. After having to knock the cob webs and dust off my Falcons gear last year to proudly wear it again (hidden since the Chris Chandler & Dirty Bird days) I’m seriously (based on the latest moves and non-moves) looking at putting it back up for a few years. I truly hope that TD signs a couple nice FA’s SOMETIME this year.
The way to build a team though is thru the draft and SIGNING key free agents. Someone used the Cardinals as an example. Kurt Warner wasn’t drafted by the Cardinals. Your core should be built thru drafting but gaps can be filled better thru free agency. Fine they let Boley,Brooking,Foxworth,likely Milloy & C. Davis go but NOW REPLACE THEM. Derrick Brooks would look nice in the Red & Black roaming the middle on defense !
Falcon 8211
March 2nd, 2009
9:08 pm
DOL. i seen where the ravens safety leonhard was talking about looking at the falcons at profootballtalk.com. please check into it. he would make a great replacement for the lawdawg.
robdawg08
March 2nd, 2009
9:13 pm
Hey Strickland, Boley,Brooking,Davis,Milloy,and Foxworth were starters (except Boley) for a reason. Even on a 24th ranked defense they were better than the other choices on the team. So yes, subtracting these 6 from a 24th ranked defense and not upgrading those positions gives you the now 28th worst defense…
robdawg08
March 2nd, 2009
9:23 pm
I read that Ray Lewis is wanting interest from other teams only to drive up his price to resign with the Ravens. That’s lame. But if the Falcons could really sign Ray Lewis they would definitely have a new leader on defense. Brooking and Milloy were the veteran presence that every team needs. Every day that passes by more free agents are signing. The pool will be scrub city soon. DOL, can you ask TD what his plan is for next year ? Does he go totally young on defense and finish likely 7-9 or does he sign 2 or 3 “D” FA’s to try and go 11-4 again ?
Dude, we need some daily info.
crabapplejoe
March 2nd, 2009
9:35 pm
falcon 8211 wrote: “ravens safety leonhard was talking about looking at the falcons at profootballtalk.com. please check into it. he would make a great replacement for the lawdawg.”
Leonhard would be a great addition. I thought he would have been resigned by the Ravens or signed by the Jets by now. Maybe he wants to come here…I understand his wife has ties to ATL.
Jones
March 2nd, 2009
10:32 pm
For some reason here in Atlanta were I was born and raised or pro sports teams are always rebuilding.
j knight
March 2nd, 2009
11:23 pm
here is an idea. Since san francisco might be interested in vick, why not trade vick for tight end vernon davis. vernon davis ran a 4.38 fourty yard dash. man thats faster than our cornerbacks and hes 6′3 inches tall and 250 pounds. hes not exactly fitting in with coach mike singletary anyway. Then we can save our first round pick for one of the many defensive positions that we (the falcons) need.
dledbetter
March 2nd, 2009
11:52 pm
LEONHARD: Just checked in with his agent Tim Valentyn of Mad-Town (Madison, Wis.). He doesn’t really fit Dimitroff’s profile. He’s 5-8, 186 pounds. Most had him following Rex to the Jets. So he may be dropping the Falcons name to create a fake buzz. Packers have not called about him and dude is a Badger.
BA: Thanks for the kind words about the bow tie.
NITE OWL & DEWEY COX: I think we all like the same kind of movies!!!
ON MIKE MONTGOMERY: My main man and mentor, the legendary Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, sent me a load of stuff on Montgomery. Won’t subject you all to ALL of it. But will get it whittled down for you tomorrow. Bob calls him “ONE TOUGH HOMBRE!” He does have a right knee issue that the Falcons will probe. (Just some regular MCL, PCL and cartilage stuff)
crabapplejoe
March 2nd, 2009
11:57 pm
robdawg08 wrote: “But if the Falcons could really sign Ray Lewis they would definitely have a new leader on defense”
Do you really want an individual who was convicted of complicity in a double homocide in Atlanta to be the “leader of our defense”…has it really come to that in our society….have we lost all of our moral compass. I would rather go 50 years without a SuperBowl championship than have that scum play in this town.
VICK SUPPORTER 2
March 3rd, 2009
1:58 am
YOU GUYS CAN SWAP SPIT WITH THE “GM” & “COACH” AND LOVE THE BUTTERFLIES AND THE PRETTY FLOWERS ALL YOU WANT, BUT TAMPA BAY IS NOT MESSING AROUND IN THE FREE AGENCY.
ALREADY THEY HAVE RE-VAMPED THEIR OFFENSE WITH A BIG TIME TIGHT END AND A BIG TIME RUNNING BACK AND A FEW OTHER KEY SIGNEES AND THEY ARE NOT NEAR DONE YET, THEN THROW IN THE DRAFT.
WE WILL SEE HOW “IN-LOVE” YOU ARE WITH THE GM & COACH…..I THINK THERE WAS A TIME MCKAY WAS SWAPPING SPIT WITH YOU AS WELL. IT’S AMAZING THAT YOU GUYS SAY FOXWORTH & BOLEY WERE NO BIG LOSSES, BUT THEY SEEMED TO HAVE RECEIVED SOME RATHER HEFTY CONTRACTS ON SOLID ORGANIZATIONS, SO SOMEBODY SAW SOMETHING IN THESE GUYS THAT COACH SMITH WAS NOT ABLE TO BRING OUT IN THEM —— COACH ISSUE? WE SHALL SEE.
NOT BEING ACTIVE IN THE FREE AGENCY, BETTER NOT MAKE THE WRONG DRAFT PICKS OR THIS TEAM WILL BE RIGHT BACK TO 2007 AND WE WILL SEE HOW MUCH YOU GUYS THINK OF THE “GM” AS “GODLY”.
IN THE MEANTIME, THE REST OF THE NFC SOUTH IS BEEFING UP. CAROLINA IS THE DEFENDING DIVISION CHAMP SO THEY REALLY DON’T HAVE TO BE TOO ACTIVE BECAUSE THEY HAVE ALL THE KEY INGREDIENTS ALREADY IN PLACE AND ONLY NEED A SLIGHT TWEAK HERE AND THERE. WHAT SHOULD BE A CONCERN IS, ONCE MV7 IS CUT BY THE FALCONS, IF CAROLINA PICK HIM UP —– GOD HELP THE FALCONS.
GOOD LUCK IN 2009
WILLSTER
March 3rd, 2009
6:48 am
get the picture,this team will not win 8 games in 2009,TRYANX,iguarantee it,I AM GOING TO VEGAS,the falcons if they dont resign,DAVIS, AND JACKSON,WITH THIS YEARS SCHEDULE,all you faithful people will be saying what happened?IWILL BE COUNTING MY MONEY.
cha dro
March 3rd, 2009
9:57 am
no not at all i’ve seen the team in past years spend way too much on over priced free agents like Ovie Mughelli and Peerless Price… we could stand to save a little money to pay our top draft selections once they have proven themselves and keep them in town… you’ve got to have atleast a little faith in TD and Coach Smith after last season!
Ken Strickland
March 3rd, 2009
10:10 am
ROBDOWG08-you’re already assuming our DEF will be worse before you even know who the replacements will be. SS LMalloy’s replacement will definitely have some pass coverage skills, which will be an upgrade. LB MBoley played so badly he had to be replaced near the end of the season, and I seriously doubt mgt wanted to bring LB Brooking back as a starter, which is why he signed elsewhere.
How can any knowledgeable fan believe that replacing SS LMalloy, a one dimensional SS with no pass coverage skills, LB MBoley, a dysfunctional LB that had to be replaced as a starter), Brooking, a LB that mgt no longer saw as a starter, and upgrading the DL(DT and DE)will make our DEF worse?
Green Tea
March 3rd, 2009
10:56 am
RobDawg08, don’t let the door hit you on the arse on the way out. Anyone who says they’d rather be a Panther fan is probably more interested in Dale Jr. and Jeff Gordon and wears a JAKE DELHOME jersey with his cutoff jeans. I live in Charlotte, I see people like you all the time.
When did Dimitroff say they were rebuilding? Every team in the NFL continues to build until the are a dynasty. Every team every year that isn’t a dynasty builds and rebuilds. What’s so hard about that? Players come and go in the NFL, it’s nothing new. Dimitroff knows what the team needs. We have big name players right now, every guy on the roster doesn’t have to be one. I say let’s see what happens in the up coming weeks and the draft all the way until training camp.
Stirg d'Nahsif
March 3rd, 2009
12:42 pm
Is it true; Davis is re-signed?
Falconboy
March 3rd, 2009
2:14 pm
Yes it is true
Ken Strickland
March 3rd, 2009
3:47 pm
DE CDavis has resigned with the Falcons. Considering he made it perfectly clear he wants to be a starter, it means DE JAnderson is likely out as a starter.
ORLANDO LEDBETTER-if DT Jerry fell to our #24 slot, do you think we’d pull the trigger and draft him?
marcus h
March 20th, 2009
8:10 am
yes i would like them to sign TE bo scaife and LB marcus washington that would go out nice
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