Falcons: Will they show White the money?
Falcons All-Pro defensive end John Abraham doesn't plan to holdout.
The smooth sailing for Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Mike Smith figures to continue.
They’ll have to get the remaining three rookie draft picks – first rounder Peria Jerry, second rounder William Moore and fourth rounder Lawrence Sidbury – signed before camp opens. That shouldn’t be a problem.
Good to know that Abraham, while open to a contract extension or enhancer, plans to be on time for camp.
Abraham’s camp should be ticked about American Idol host Ryan Seacrest getting $15 million a year for three years ($45 million), according to the Hollywood Reporter. How many sacks did Seacreast get last season? Was he even All-Dekalb County when he went to Dunwoody High? What a fine hustle he has going. Good for Seacrest.
After settling the rookies and welcoming Abraham to camp, there’s that little matter or Roddy White’s contract extension. The Falcons need to lock up their Pro Bowl wide receiver, but are under no duress to do.
Will White do back flip if he gets a deal that averages more than $10 million a year? You bet cha!
The league is set for an uncapped year in 2010 because the owners elected to “opt out” of the collective bargaining agreement. A new deal needs to be in place by February 2010 or teams will have that “uncapped” year in 2010.
If White and the Falcons don’t reach a deal, under the old rules, he was set to become an unrestricted free agent after this season. If the “uncapped” year scenario takes hold, White would become a restricted free agent for one year and could hit the open market after the 2010 season.
Of course, the Falcons can make this a moot point by working out an extension now. Recently, Green Bay did a three-year, $27-million extension with Greg Jennings. Arizona’s Larry Fitzgerald signed a four-year, $40 million deal in 2008.
Looks like White, who’s set to make $2.28 million this year, is headed for a $10 million-plus a year deal.
BABS HELPS WITH SCHOOL SUPPLIES: Falcons defensive end Jonathan Babineaux helped to distribute
Jonathan Babineaux
bookbags filled with school supplies to 3,000 underserved students last Saturday at Hosea Feed The Hungry & Homeless’s (HFTH) annual Back to School Jamboree at Turner Field.
Celebrating 40 years of community service, Hosea Feed the Hungry & Homeless (HFTH) implemented the “School Readiness” Back to School Jamboree initiative to help the approximately 12% of the Atlanta Public School students who are homeless.
V-103's Elle Duncan
ELLE DUNCAN AND TURNER?: Ran across one of those rauchy gossip sites. Think it was LipstickAlley.com and there was an item suggesting that Falcons running back Michael Turner and V-103 personality Elle Duncan were an item. Check out the video link.
Could we have our very own Jessica Simpson and Tony Romo romance brewing?
Jessica Simpson is available.
I guess the lovely Ms. Simpson is available again. I was looking forward to seeing her when the Falcons play the Cowboys in October.
FROM THE LINKS: Falcons vice president of communications Reggie Roberts won the Marshall McLuhan Open. It was a complete and thorough defeat for yours truly. Roberts won by 10 strokes.
I was down six strokes at the turn and was ready to make one of those Tiger charges to victory. Could not get to the fairways in regulation to show off the new short game that I spent a month working on.
On the back nine, Roberts remained steady and went away with the victory. Any master of communications knows that “the message is in the medium.”
Reggie Roberts, Falcons VP of Communications, has won the media showdown two years in row now.
Just a couple of more weeks until the opening of Training Camp on Aug. 1.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
273 comments Add your comment
Rachel Ray
July 14th, 2009
5:03 pm
NFLPA marry me.
NFLPA
July 14th, 2009
5:03 pm
D3, Snelling and TBrown are not NFL number 2’s from what I’ve seen. Watch for the Birds to get a backup RB in the 3rd or 4th round next year. Quality RB’s are always deep in the draft.
Intramural Team is Aggressive
July 14th, 2009
5:05 pm
NFLPA, trust me, loved Vick as much as the next guy. I’ll never forget the moments he provided us. Probably would still be cheering for him if he was still playing. But he made his choices, and as a result we have a new QB, and my only point is, he’s pretty darn good.
Sorry to contribute to the hate, moving on.
I obviously can’t wait to see the offense play, but the defense intrigues me most. TD attacked glaring holes by trying to fill them with talent, I’m guessing in the hopes that the cream will rise to the top. I actually think that we’ll get a good result out of this at CB, because there’s a lot of competition across from Houston there.
Even more so I’m antsy to talk anything about the Falcons, as you can see by my overly-enthusiastic posts.
D3
July 14th, 2009
5:09 pm
As of right now, you are certainly correct. I’m not sure Snelling will ever be (even though he has a ton of supporters in these circles), but I think TBrown has the “potential”, but if he can never stay healthy the point will be a moot one.
Dean 21
July 14th, 2009
5:12 pm
Hello Cagers!
D3, what’s going on man? I just returned from my long vacation in Florida, now it’s time to get settled in and get ready for some football! I’m sure you have kept things interesting as usual in the cage.
Sarah B, it’s time to start the process for training camp day for the cagers. I’ll hit you up later.
I agree with locking Roddy up ASAP! This guy is surely only going to get better and he’s our “GO TO” receiver down field and with the help he will be receiving this year, he should have another pro-bowl year!
doo mauh mauh maunz
July 14th, 2009
5:17 pm
Question: Who is the only QB in Falcons history to take it up the rear while in prison?
Hint: His last two seasons with the Falcons ended with a 13-17 record.
jason
July 14th, 2009
5:17 pm
D3, what’s up my man? Waiting on that Flay recipe. I need something for the grill this weekend. you can alomost smell it in the air. DOL has started posting more and more. What’s up? D.O.L?
Quick point on Abe. If this is not his last year in his current contract, I wait. Why? He is coming off a career year, and probably first injury free. ATL needs to wait until going into his final year so they will have a better idea of what they will get from Abe in the futyre years. Also, ATL will know what they have in Sid and Bierrman. I don’t blame Abe for looking for that last big pay day, but I don’t blame TD and Co. for waiting either.
As for White, TD will pay White. It is a matter of time. As someone said earlier, it will split the difference between Jennings and Fitzgerald. ATL can’t get cauyght up paying these guys all this money at expense to providing depth and competition to the team as a whole.
By the way, gorgeous sunglasses. Be back on a little later, still at work. Later.
jason
July 14th, 2009
5:22 pm
D3, on Snelling, he is nothing more than a rushing FB. I like Snelling, but he is what he is. As much as I like Brown, I don’t see him as a #2 RB. He is small and fragile. I know he is tough as nails, and that he is a DAWG. I hate saying this, but he will not be able to hold up to the constant punishment. A#3 and special teams ace is his ticket. I see ATL looking towards the mid to late rounds in finding a good quality RB.
jason
July 14th, 2009
5:24 pm
Dean 21, Falcon Devil, What’s up? Haven’t seen you two in a minute. Football time is almost near.
D3
July 14th, 2009
5:28 pm
Best Burger Recipe I’ve ever had from the Messiah of Grilling Bobby Flay:
Dallas Burger
Directions
Bobby’s Perfect Patty
Shape 6 ounces of 80 percent lean ground beef chuck into a uniform patty, no more than 3/4 inch thick (don’t overwork the meat). Make a depression in the center with your thumb so the burger won’t bulge; the indent will rise as the patty cooks. Preheat a grill or cast-iron grill pan to high. Brush the burger with canola oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill until golden brown and slightly charred, turning once (7 minutes for medium-rare). Avoid pressing with a spatula! Add cheese for the last minute of cooking.
Spice Rub
Bobby coats the patty with a rub before grilling: Mix 1 tablespoon ancho chile powder, 2 teaspoons Spanish paprika, 1 teaspoon each dried oregano, ground coriander, dry mustard, ground cumin and kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and 1/2 teaspoon ground chile de arbol. (He also sells rubs at bobbyflay.com.)
Coleslaw
For the chef’s easy slaw, whisk 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 grated white onion, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 teaspoons celery seeds, 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, and salt and pepper. Mix with 1 small shredded head cabbage and 1 shredded carrot. Let sit for 15 minutes.
Sliced Dill Pickles
Favorite BBQ Sauce
Bun > Burger > Cheese > BBQ Sauce > Coleslaw > Pickles > Bun
One of the Best Burgers I’ve ever cooked or eaten………..period.
Bubba
July 14th, 2009
5:36 pm
If Abraham wants to make more money than Seacrest, tell him to get out of football and go into the entertainment business.
Seminole Warrior
July 14th, 2009
5:41 pm
What’s up Posse? I see that all is still well here in the Falcon Nation. Good to see the brothers…D3, Jason, Unca Bob, WR, DO-Led, etc.
The time draws near and I’m ready to rock. First, Perry, Moore, and Sidbury, please have your people call our people and let’s get these deals done. Next, Roddy’s deal will get done for sure. The team does not want to risk a setback to the development of Matt Ryan. And with the chemistry that evolved last year between the two, they seem to be on track to be a duo to deal with for some time to come. Good to be back in the fold. ONE NATION!!…FALCON NATION.
Seminole Warrior
July 14th, 2009
5:44 pm
Jason, do not underestimate Snelling. He has the potential to develop into a major player in the right scheme. He will be scooped up in a very quick manner if he is let go. Dallas wanted him last year if I do recall..
Seminole Warrior
July 14th, 2009
5:55 pm
Snelling brings the versatility to play both the FB and RB positions. He has good hands to match a decent skill set. He just needs to find a way to break through and get more time in the scheme.
Falcon Devil
July 14th, 2009
6:01 pm
DOL, you have Babs listed at DE in your piece. DT is what you meant I believe.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 14th, 2009
6:03 pm
D3: Thanks for the shout out. It’s good that no one is taking the bait!!!
Hey Mr. Blank just got him some help. He added four minority owners.
http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-falcons/falcons-add-four-minority-90826.html?cxntlid=homepage_tab_newstab
UGABAN1111
July 14th, 2009
6:09 pm
I HATE WHEN PEOPLE SAY, OH HE WOULDNT BE GOOD IF HE DIDNT HAVE A GOOD QB. GOTH THIS IS THE NFL, IF UR A STARTER U HAVE TO BE SOMEWHAT GOOD! NAME ANYBODY IN THE WORLD WHO CAN BE GOOD WITHOUT A GOOD QB. IDIOT!
Falcons Ticket Operator
July 14th, 2009
6:10 pm
Dang….Blank got him some help…wow
oh well….we’re still standing by down here. 2 tickets/2 jerseys $199
falcon21
July 14th, 2009
6:12 pm
D3, I will be in Panama City all of next week and will not have access to a computer. If anyone wants to join in on FF feel free to give them my spot. Thanks man!!!
WR
July 14th, 2009
6:53 pm
The cage is about to start rocking again, my old faithful ACC buddy is back, Seminole glad to have you back in the cage, if I wasn’t a Jacket, I’d be a Seminole,well if I wasn’t for the state of Georgia I would be a seminole, Dean21 is back, Falcon Devil is back in the cage, I know Nookah got to be getting near a return, the bird cage is cranking up again, finally, D3, can you feel it, it seems just hearing that seminole is back in the cage increases the adrenaline, I figure that Nookah should be back soon and hopefully reno911 will join back in soon, time to start really cranking out the knowledge, Bird Cage 2009 is officially open, welcome back crew.
Seminole, Alright I got a bit carried away but how are you and your soldier, I know its been busy for you and your family but glad to have you back, hope everyone is going well and I can’t wait til the Seminole, Yellow Jacket, battle, its always a good game for some reason.
FalconDevil, I see you came back with the fire,madden players, good come back and welcome back, I was wondering if you and Seminole passed Nookah alone the way.
falcon21
July 14th, 2009
6:56 pm
Hello Seminole Warrior, glad to see you are back!!!
Seminole Warrior
July 14th, 2009
7:08 pm
Thanks for the love WR and F21. It’s great to be back in the fold. The little Warrior is doing well; he is safe. Their mission remains a constant challenge so pray for them all as they do what they must. Mama Warrior is transitioning well but still, it’s her baby. I’m getting back up to speed; Falcons, Seminoles, a weak hurricane season thus far, etc. But rest assured…the Warrior will be back in FULL effect in a very short order. Again, thanks for the love and keep ALL of our young warriors constantly in your prayers. ONE NATION….FALCON NATION.
row3
July 14th, 2009
7:08 pm
I saw an interview on the local news last night with K Brooking. He said..I’m on the most talented team I’ve ever been on. Talent without chemistry won’t win Championships. I’ve always been a huge Brooking fan, but I can’t wait till the show-down in Big D. We should be converting alot of 3rd and 16’s
Seminole Warrior
July 14th, 2009
7:14 pm
DO-Led, I know the thread is about RW and his contract which I think will be resolved in short order. But I have a question for you and the inside scoop? Yahoo! sports has Chauncey Davis listed as a reserve and still projects Jamaal Anderson as a starter at left defensive end? Say it ain’t so? I like Jamaal but I think the time has come to give Davis a shot at the position. Thoughts posse?
Seminole Warrior
July 14th, 2009
7:17 pm
Row3, that same team had a “boatload” of talent last season and we all know how that ended. KB is on the decline; he is at best a role player and will have a minimal impact. We thank him for his service and his play during his time in ATL. But we are moving on…the future and our own parade down Peachtree in a few years.
Seminole Warrior
July 14th, 2009
7:24 pm
D3 is on key. Abe is a solid player but he has a history of injuries that will certainly scare away the big bucks. Davis and Biermann are the future (Anderson controls his fate). Also, I think that Robert James is going to emerge at the WLB position over the course of the next two seasons. The guy is healthy now and he can play!!
falcon21
July 14th, 2009
7:25 pm
SW, agreed but give it 3 or 4 games and if no progress, then time for a change.
Seminole Warrior
July 14th, 2009
7:27 pm
I would offer RW a deal in the neighborhood of 5 yrs at 35/40 million. Can’t get over-aggresive with the cash; lots of potential work to be done next season, especially on the offensive line as Blalock, Clabo, and Dahl are up as RFAs/UFAs. We can not afforded to have cracks in the foundation.
Seminole Warrior
July 14th, 2009
7:28 pm
F21, I can go for that. Simply put, if the Sugar Bear can’t bring Jamaal along, I don’t know who can.
row3
July 14th, 2009
7:30 pm
Seminole Warrior, I think Jamaal was most effective last year as an under-tackle. I would like to see him in a rotation with Jerry and Lewis as a down position tackle, and have Chauncey Davis as the starting left end.
Seminole Warrior
July 14th, 2009
7:33 pm
Row3, you and I are on the same wavelength there about Anderson. We will definately need the depth as Jerry, while tough-minded, does have a slight injury bug as well.
Unca' Bob
July 14th, 2009
7:43 pm
Seminole Warrior,
Long time, no see!! Welcome. I’m glad to hear Young Warrior is doing well. And yes, it can get very tough on the home scene. Hang in there.
R White is 27 years old. My thought would be to bump up the money on his last year’s contract, extend for three more and see what he looks like at 31, and go from there.
Unca' Bob
July 14th, 2009
7:47 pm
row3,NW,
Look for anderson to break out this year. He is only 23 and starting to come into himself.
Seminole Warrior
July 14th, 2009
7:54 pm
Unca Bob, if he does break out, that would be great. As I said, if the Bear can’t bring him around, I don’t know who can. Get the RW deal done but do not over do it. That offensive line is priority one so we have to plan accordingly. The last thing we want is for Turner and Ryan to be playing behind a “blue-light special” offensive line.
Dean 21
July 14th, 2009
8:04 pm
What’s going Jason, you’ve been missing in action also….Had to get that vacation out of the way before the season kicks off. I’m back now and it’s getting closer to mini-camp time!
Unca' Bob
July 14th, 2009
8:08 pm
Seminole Warrior,
I agree that the O-Line needs to be finalized. Before I speak out of school, let me do some research on their signing’s. I think they have all signed earlier. I’ll be back.
D3
July 14th, 2009
8:18 pm
Best Burger Recipe I’ve ever had from the Messiah of Grilling Bobby Flay:
Dallas Burger, Bobby Flay; http://www.foodnetwork.com
Directions
Bobby’s Perfect Patty
Shape 6 ounces of 80 percent lean ground beef chuck into a uniform patty, no more than 3/4 inch thick (don’t overwork the meat). Make a depression in the center with your thumb so the burger won’t bulge; the indent will rise as the patty cooks. Preheat a grill or cast-iron grill pan to high. Brush the burger with canola oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill until golden brown and slightly charred, turning once (7 minutes for medium-rare). Avoid pressing with a spatula! Add cheese for the last minute of cooking.
Spice Rub
Bobby coats the patty with a rub before grilling: Mix 1 tablespoon ancho chile powder, 2 teaspoons Spanish paprika, 1 teaspoon each dried oregano, ground coriander, dry mustard, ground cumin and kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and 1/2 teaspoon ground chile de arbol. (He also sells rubs at bobbyflay.com.)
Coleslaw
For the chef’s easy slaw, whisk 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 grated white onion, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 teaspoons celery seeds, 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, and salt and pepper. Mix with 1 small shredded head cabbage and 1 shredded carrot. Let sit for 15 minutes.
Sliced Dill Pickles
Favorite BBQ Sauce
Bun > Burger > Cheese > BBQ Sauce > Coleslaw > Pickles > Bun
One of the Best Burgers I’ve ever cooked or eaten………..period.
Art Blank
July 14th, 2009
8:21 pm
Hi Falcon Fans, due to the sudden season ticket crisis from 2007 & 2008 seasons, I have no choice but to merge with 4 minor partners in order to keep the franchise afloat.
The revenue received from 2002 – 2006 seasons have severely saturated in majority part due to lack of dome sell outs. The attempt to create a new culture and the failed P.R. strategy to create a “new face” of the franchise.
The previous face of the franchise set the bar higher than I estimated, resulting in poor marketing and therefore decreased revenue. Apparently the selling of Matt Ryan didn’t sell too well with the Atlanta community.
Furthermore, 2010 may result in major roster.
Unca' Bob
July 14th, 2009
8:23 pm
Seminole Warrior,
They resigned Clabo 6-3-09. I didn’t find anythig confirming Blalock or Dahl.
D3
July 14th, 2009
8:35 pm
WOW…….The Bird-Cage is finally coming back to full strength and I’m d@– JACKED about it! As WR said, Bird-Cage 2009 looks to be tons of fun as we roll into Training Camp and then into the season. Absolutely awesome.
Seminole – my friend, its so good to have you back! I about jumped out of my seat when I saw your name in the ‘Cage. Great to have you back and glad to hear your family is doing so good. YES!
Dean21 – welcome back my man! How was the vaca’ down in FLA land? I think we’ve settled on the first morning session of August 1st. Lookin’ forward to meeting up with you guys and gals. Interested in grabbing some lunch after that? There’s a Taco Mac right down the road in Suwanee if you all are interested. Glad to have you back.
jason – tried to drop the Flay recipe, but the Monster ate it. Will get it back up at some point. Good point on Snelling and TBrown for that matter. Snelling is our future FB, and TBrown has got to prove something this year in terms of contributing out of the backfield, rather than just on special teams.
Seminole(2) – I definitely will be shocked if we don’t carry TBrown AND Snelling this year. I think the only reason we didn’t carry 5 RBs last year was because TBrown got hurt. Another roster somewhere will have to be sacrificed, say a 6th WR or 5th safety. We also carried 3 Centers (McClure, Stepanovich, Wilkerson). Can’t wait until the competition.
falcon21 – All good. We will just get everything set up over the next week or so and we’ll have to figure out when we want to do the draft.
WR – If Nookah and Reno911 come back soon, than I’ll be one happy dude.
row3 – Great, great line! I’m sure deep down somewhere KB wants nothing more than to show the Falcons organization that they made a mistake. Personally, as long as they Jessica Romo at QB, Softie Wade Phillips at HC, and Ego-Maniac Jerry Jones as GM, don’t see that happening. Could be dead wrong; but let’s remember that they haven’t won a playoff game since 1996. Did you see their draft for chrissake?
Unca’ Bob – I think we’re all good on the OL. Clabo was the last one who was a Restricted Free Agent and we signed him to a tender. With MV’s salary coming off the books next year, and likely losing Norwood (hate to admit it, but I just don’t see it in the cards), we should be looking awesome as far as the Salary Cap goes. Locking up Clabo to a long-term deal should be next on the list.
More later……..
JJ
July 14th, 2009
8:43 pm
D3: my man, are you flip-flopping on me…nuthin but respect my man!
Snelling is our future FB, and TBrown has got to prove something this year in terms of contributing out of the backfield, rather than just on special teams.
lol, it’s all good man, how’s lance? british open 2 days away!
JJ
July 14th, 2009
8:45 pm
“thou shall not run” — Mr. Stirg
Seminole Warrior
July 14th, 2009
8:54 pm
What’s up D3!! As I said earlier, it is good to be back with the fold and thanks to all for the support and prayers for the TeePee. As far as the RW situation, I still say we should definately resign him but be careful not to over-commit. The OL has to be dealt with also; this year, Clabo and Dahl signed RFA tenders. Next season, 2010, they will be UFAs as will be Newberry and Wilkerson. Justin Blalock will be a RFA as well. There is NO WAY we can let that line fall apart so I think we need to address at least THREE of the positions this season as well. I would not want to go into next season with a weakness on the OL; MR and MT would not like it either I am sure. I agree with D3; Norwood is gone next season. We will also have at least TWO comp picks in the draft due to the deals signed by Grady Jackson, Michael Boley, Keith Brooking, and Dominque Foxworth. So as you can see, the OL is a MAJOR issue going forward. I would say it is easily more important than even perhaps re-signing RW (though I want to keep him for sure.).
Seminole Warrior
July 14th, 2009
9:03 pm
Snelling is a RFA next season so the Falcons will seek compensation for him. Norwood is an UFA next season and I’m not sure if they will be as aggressive in pursuit of him. Next off-season will be very busy.
D3
July 14th, 2009
9:41 pm
JJ – British Open awaits, nice. Not pulling a flip-flop, just saying that Snelling may be being groomed to take over at Fullback for Mughelli and dump that high contract, not at tailback. I truly think that TBrown CAN be a #2 complement back, but he’s got to stay healthy; which he’s had a really hard time doing throughout his entire career.
Seminole – We should have plenty of money to resign Clabo & Dahl. New England always kept their productive lineman and I see TD doing that as well, particularly since they’re so young. Newberry is 33 and maybe a short term solution, giving us another draft to get a young OG to develop. We’ll see. It certainly will be a busy, busy off-season.
D3
July 14th, 2009
9:49 pm
A little off topic, but I just want to say what a great blog this is compared to the college ones I’ve been on, both here at the AJC and elsewhere. It is so d@– ridiculous. All it ever does is devolve into infantile, name-calling vitriol between UGA and GA Tech. I can’t even read it because its so freakin’ ridiculous. Out of pure boredom, I go back and check it but its insane.
charlotte bob
July 14th, 2009
10:03 pm
What a fine hustle he has going.
Great line DLed – don’t hate – appreciate!
Pay Roddy, but there is no need to rush if folks comunicate. The uncapped year introduces a lot of uncertainty for both sides. There is a case to be made for patience especially for the players. There is no telling what the next deal will look like, but if there is a rookie salary cap Roddy would take less now than he could possibly get after that deal is struck since vets will get more of the cap than they do today.
Go Falcons!!
Ride it
July 14th, 2009
10:14 pm
Elle is hawwwwt.. Mike is rich.. surprise?
Sarah B
July 14th, 2009
10:25 pm
Well Hi everybody. Just checking in. Good Fal-talk tonigh. They just ran a commercial for a Mat Ryan to be on 11Alive at 6 tomorrow morning I think I’ll record it. Been at the DR. all day, fell in the old school porcelian tub/shower and cracked my head really hard. All tests came back clear.
They need to sign Roddy now! Maybe the new minority owners will make it happen. No he’s no Larry Fitz, but who is???
D3
July 14th, 2009
10:35 pm
Sarah B. – hey, did you wanna be the GM of our fantasy league? If not, I’ll do it, but I wanted to offer it up if you wanted to do it. Sorry to hear about your accident, glad to hear everything’s OK.