Dunta Robinson agrees to terms with Falcons
Dunta Robinson set to meet with the Falcons today. (By John Wilcox/The Houston Chronicle).
Former Houston Texans’ cornerback Dunta Robinson, a native of Athens, agreed to terms on a six-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons on Friday, according to his agent Jason Chayut.
The terms of the deal were undisclosed. The Falcons are expected to make an official announcement on Saturday.
By signing Robinson, the Falcons are hoping to improve their pass defense which ranked 28th in the league last season, giving up 241.9 yards per game. The Falcons also re-signed cornerback Brian Williams to a one-year contract on Thursday.
At the NFL scouting combine last Thursday, Falcons head coach Mike Smith said that the pass defense would be improved.
“We did not play the pass as well as we’d like,” Smith said. “It’s something that we definitely have to address. Statistically we were not close to where we need to be or want to be. I think that’s twofold. One, we address the pass rush and number two, is that we improve our secondary play. Those are areas that we definitely will want to address.”
The Falcons are hoping the return of defensive tackle Peria Jerry will help improve their pass rush. The signing of Robinson clearly is designed to improve the coverage.
“That’s very important for us,” said Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff, when asked if the pass defense suffered because the rush or because of lacking coverage. “So we get Peria back and he’s healing up well and he’ll continue to solidify our defensive line. At that point, if we feel comfortable with that, we will have to seriously look at . . . there are other positions on defense as well.”
Robinson’s deal in expected to be lucrative. He turned down a contract with $23 million in guarantees last season before Houston placed the franchise tag him. Last season, he made $9.957 million after not participating in the offseason program because of the dispute over his contract.
Last season, he covered the opponent’s best receiver and played on both the right and left sides of the field.
Robinson played at Clarke Central High before going onto star at the University of South Carolina. He was the 10th player selected in the 2004 draft by the Texans.
Robinson was an immediate starter in the NFL at right cornerback, making all 16 starts as rookie.
Robinson turns 27 in April and would have to now be considered the Falcons’ No. 1 cornerback.
The Falcons finished last season with rookie Christopher Owens and second-year player Brent Grimes starting at cornerback. Chevis Jackson played in the slot. Other cornerbacks on the roster include Chris Houston, who started on the right side for most of the last three seasons, and Tye Hill, another former first round pick.
The Texans elected to let Robinson enter free agency this year. He would have commanded near $12 million for next season if they’d slapped the franchise tag on him again.
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204 comments Add your comment
NFL free-agency frenzy underway « control+ATL+delete
March 5th, 2010
2:45 pm
[...] D.Orlando Ledbetter reports that Dunta Robinson is meeting with the Falcons today. [...]
cutter
March 5th, 2010
2:52 pm
Rod-
If someone does not agree with your decision you resort to name calling, cursing and checking for spelling errors through a blog site. OK you can call me all the names you want son. I can take it. 5 years from now how old will Robinson be?? This is his last chance at a big contract. Also since you are so good at checking for spelling errors maybe you should try to take on reading comprehension next, I did not say that he would piss away those years I asked what would be his incentive to show up. You are obviously upset because you realize your idea makes little sense especially given all of the previous capped years nobody ever thought to use your (as you say stupid ) idea. You probably think I’m god’s gift to this website but I cetainly do not. Are you an adolesent because you sound like one getting upset over words. Have a coke and a smile mommie will be home soon. Or maybe in your case it’s daddy. You can’t get mad at me because you say “stupid” things. Take care Roderick. Don’t hurt anybody today at your cub scout meeting OK.
cutter
March 5th, 2010
2:55 pm
Now make sure you check for spelling errors Roderick.
cutter
March 5th, 2010
2:57 pm
NFL.com’s Steve Wyche reports that free agent Dunta Robinson’s contract with the Falcons will be done by Sunday.
Wyche is a former Falcons beat writer, so we’ve got to believe him. It doesn’t hurt, obviously, that Robinson is only negotiating with his hometown team. The terms remain up in the air, but Robinson is sure to break the bank.
Source: NFL.com
Rod
March 5th, 2010
3:06 pm
From ESPN:
“CHICAGO — Chester Taylor agreed to a four-year, $12.5 million deal with the Chicago Bears on Friday, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
The deal includes $7 million guaranteed in the first year, the source said.”
Hmmmm cutter – I guess the Bears agree with my philosophy of up front money this year. But of course I’m sure you think you know more about football than their entire front office.
Rod
March 5th, 2010
3:10 pm
From ESPN:
“NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch agreed to a four-year deal Friday with the Detroit Lions.
The deal is worth $26 million, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Vanden Bosch, 31, will be due $10 million in the first year of the contract, The Tennessean of Nashville reported.”
Hmmmm cutter – I guess the Lions agree with my philosophy of up front money this year. But of course I’m sure you think you know more about football than their entire front office.
Rod
March 5th, 2010
3:11 pm
Other teams are throwing major percentages of contract money into this uncapped year. But, of course, cutter thinks it’s a foolish idea. Yep, he’s the real football genius.
cutter
March 5th, 2010
5:15 pm
You see this is what I’m talking about. Not one clue as to what he is talking about. There is a difference between guaranteed salary and first year salary. Man I just don’t know what to say about you Roderick.
cutter
March 5th, 2010
5:23 pm
KVB is 10mill in 1st year but hey you gotta do something to make a guy wanna come to Detroit. Taylor is 7mill guaranteed but not in 1st year. As usual you are half-azz right. Slow down and try to comprehend what you read son.
cutter
March 5th, 2010
5:23 pm
Roderick!
Nic
March 5th, 2010
5:27 pm
D. Orlando Ledbetter,
Any news on Brent Grimes?
Falcon 8211
March 5th, 2010
5:27 pm
well we were close to deal last nite with dunta. what is the deal DOL.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 5th, 2010
5:30 pm
Deal is getting “extremely close” and figures to be completed tonight.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 5th, 2010
5:31 pm
Nic: Grimes is an Exclusive Rights Free Agent (0-2 accrued years) and the Falcons don’t have to tender him until April 15.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 5th, 2010
5:32 pm
Falcon8211: As soon as I get it, I’ll be more than happy to share. A little pushy aren’t we???? Are you my editor???
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 5th, 2010
5:33 pm
We are the rollarcoaster ride called: Contract negotiations!!!
Falcon 8211
March 5th, 2010
5:46 pm
thanks for the update. have you heard of any other free agents the falcons might purse DOL?
Knowledge
March 5th, 2010
6:03 pm
III TOLD YALL SO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! “KNOWLEDGE” KNOWS BEST
cutter
March 5th, 2010
6:05 pm
DOL- I read somewhere that Atlanta was the only team Robinson wanted to talk to because he’s from the area, can you confirm?
Knowledge
March 5th, 2010
6:06 pm
FALCONS SIGN DUNTA ROBINSON 6 YEARS
cutter
March 5th, 2010
6:10 pm
Falcons agreed to terms with CB Dunta Robinson on a six-year contract.
Atlanta wasn’t happy with its CBs a year ago, and rightfully so. The club had one of the NFL’s worst pass defenses. Robinson is now signed through his age-33 season. While he’s not been a true playmaker since a six-pick rookie year, Robinson is a solid cover man with excellent range. The Texans thought enough of him to place a franchise tag on Robinson in 2009, guaranteeing him nearly $10 million. He instantly becomes the Falcons’ top cornerback.
Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter
naganole
March 5th, 2010
6:21 pm
As much as I love Grimes, he is not a better CB than Houston. Houston was a bad #1CB, but as a #3 he can provide quality depth. Robinson,Williams,Houston,Owens…that’s a solid group.
With cornerback in fold, here are 5 choices for Falcons | Jeff Schultz
March 5th, 2010
6:24 pm
[...] has signed a six-year deal with the Falcons, per Mr. Ledbetter. Details will be forthcoming but here’s a link to his current blog. Nice job by the [...]
Iceman
March 5th, 2010
6:29 pm
Good pick up
Yeah, ATL will stay a looooooong way away from Antonio Cromartie.
waynester
March 5th, 2010
6:30 pm
Here’s hoping he returns to his season 1 form– he was awesome as a rook– but he’s not a rookie anymore. We showed him the $ now show us the performance!(crosses fingers and toes)!
poppa falcon
March 5th, 2010
6:36 pm
I agree with Ryan. Cromartie is a DeAngelo Hall starter kit. Afraid to hit, openly questioning his coaches, fighting in clubs, a member of the 7-6 cfraternity (7 kids – 6 baby mommas), I’m glad that Dimitroff was able to iron out a deal with Robinson.
the crock
March 5th, 2010
6:37 pm
his wiki page
On March 5, 2010 Robinson Announced his retirement and he was becoming a professional wrestler named The Crock
Mave
March 5th, 2010
6:39 pm
Robinson is better than Cromartie…less headaches off the field. 6 year deal shows they may expect a cap to come back. Now DE or OLB has to be top pick….would still like to see CB in the draft as I like the kid from Rutgers. Houston may have to go to Houston as he may be the odd CB out…you agree D-Led? Center in your mock draft…really…come on…I expect us to draft offensive players, but in the 1st round, a center who would not play…not TD’s style…you go in the 1st round, you are playing, so it has to be OLB / DE.
trueFALCONfan
March 5th, 2010
6:45 pm
#23 chris houston has to go, need that number bra, i wll take brent grimes any day over chris houston, hopefully brian williams can come back healthy, if not i can live with grimes, the guy has tremendous athletic ability, would be much better with pass rush…GO FALCONS
florida falcon
March 5th, 2010
6:50 pm
I like the agresiveness the organization is taking! This makes our draft a real interesting one. I believe we will now go for the best player on the board! OR we’ll package our first rounder for a 2nd and third! Think about, the draft is a crapshoot anyway.
BosnianBaller
March 5th, 2010
6:52 pm
Walker texas ranger Cromartie has played horrible the past 2 years according to the chargers people he was bad at stopping the run
Mr. Turnip-Green Jeans
March 5th, 2010
6:52 pm
Great cornerbacks entering the league get tons of interceptions, till the day teams decide it’s time to try the other side, permanently…
Then they drop, sometimes to zero.
Cedrick
March 5th, 2010
6:57 pm
Look, I just got home. Ok cool we got Robinson but why the hell were we not competing t get Cromartie?? This guy is a proven CB which is what we needed. Dude Demetrioff ia really about to piss this season away already!!
the crock
March 5th, 2010
7:07 pm
On March 5, 2010 Robinson Announced his retirement and he was becoming a professional wrestler named The Crock
J.J.M.
March 5th, 2010
7:09 pm
“On March 5, 2010 Robinson Announced his retirement and he was becoming a professional wrestler named The Crock”
That was so lame
boilerup
March 5th, 2010
7:12 pm
Great pick up.. Get a de, and Antonio Bryant and draft Spiller and an ol.. we will be bad ass next year!! Go Falcons…
boilerup
March 5th, 2010
7:14 pm
Enter your comments here
shannon
March 5th, 2010
7:18 pm
So the falcons couldn’t have traded picks for boldin like the ravens did or trade jenkins for him
Bird Droppings
March 5th, 2010
7:27 pm
Now go sign Brandon Marshall for a crapload of money (Arthur can afford it), sign Sean Witherspoon in the 1st round, O-line and D-line help in the later rounds, and see you – DEEP – in the play-offs, folks.
No Fa SHo 504
March 5th, 2010
7:28 pm
Good a better CB for the SAINTS to throw on!!!
Manny
March 5th, 2010
7:42 pm
If they go out and get a clutch receiver and some linebacker help, the Falcons have a shot.They actually can address these issues in the draft. The prerequisite for a linebacker is one that can drop back into coverage well.
If they can do that, the Falcons will win the South. (If Turner stays healthy, of course. If not, the Falcons have no shot.)
Cornerback Dunta Robinson, Falcons Strike Six-Year Deal | Inside Hollywood Sports
March 5th, 2010
7:48 pm
[...] the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and ESPN are reporting that it will be a six-year contract and will be signed some time this [...]
Thug Ville
March 5th, 2010
8:11 pm
Another attitude case, with a big ME on his jersey, looking for attention. The falcons better keep him happy with lots of money, or he’ll be angry and not produce.
willie
March 5th, 2010
8:22 pm
Actually, D. Robinson is said to be a very good locker room guy. Kudos for TD and company for taking action and signing the most solid guy available. Too much risk-taking on the field and baggage off the field with Cromartie…I like this signing.
Purdue
March 5th, 2010
8:22 pm
Look at Chike Okeafor from Arizona. Good 3rd down rush lb/de for Witherspoon to learn from when he lands at #19. Long in the tooth but could be a great mentor for a good price, with SB experience!!!!!!!!
Houston Texans Fan
March 5th, 2010
8:29 pm
To all you Falcons fans, I can tell you in 5 sentences or less what your getting.
#1. Elite Run stopping corner
#2. Good but not great cover corner. Did cover the #1 receiver 60% of the time
#3. Never had a nose for the ball to get INT.
#4. Not afraid to speak his mind after a loss or losing streak. (Threw players under the bus)
#5. Will give you his all and will become a fan favorite.
Overall, I wanted him to stay in Houston. But for the $$ he was commanding and the “Pay me Rick” he put on his shoes during opening day last year, I wanted him GONE!.
Just remember, everyone reading this had just as many interceptions as Dunta Robinson did last year.
Brian – Houston
Sheree Whitfield
March 5th, 2010
8:35 pm
I wonder if Robinson will aks any of the other players questions. This is something I have to ax myself.
Houston Texans Fan
March 5th, 2010
8:37 pm
For all of you Falcon Fans crying that they didn’t pursue Cromartie, yhou should be thankful!!!!
Dunta will never be afraid to hit anyone. (see Cromartie in PLAYOFF GAME)
Does not have 6 kids in 5 different states.
Dunta will leave it all on line. TRUST ME – Dunta Robinson is better than Cromarti and with less baggage.
Good luck Robinson! We are going to miss you here in H-Town!
Najeh Davenpoop
March 5th, 2010
8:37 pm
I’m surprised they didn’t try to sign Darren Sharper, after seeing the kind of impact he had on the Saints’ pass defense this year, seeing as how he would have been much cheaper. Robinson is a decent player and upgrades the Falcons’ previously pathetic secondary but he’s never been some extraordinary player you can build a secondary around, like a 6-year contract would suggest. Not saying the Falcons would have got Sharper, but you would think they would at least try. I didn’t hear them linked to Sharper in any rumor.
Go Falcons!!!
March 5th, 2010
8:46 pm
I read this about him
Dunta Robinson, Houston Texans (28)
“After holding out for nearly the entire offseason, Dunta Robinson stepped in and played pretty poorly, allowing a number of intermediate catches against him. Robinson played slightly better in the second half of the season, but not in line with a top corner. With an entire offseason of workouts, Robinson can return to form and be one of the better corners in the league, but it’ll be interesting to see how the situation plays out next offseason after an up and down season this year. The Texans may not be ready to commit a lot money after this season, which could lead Dunta to test the open market. I’d be surprised if they used the franchise tag on him again this year after what they went through last season. “