UPDATE: Falcons sign Hayden, Sanders to 1-year deals
Rex Grossman's misfortune culminated with a game-clinching interception return by Colts cornerback Kelvin Hayden early in the fourth quarter. Kelvin Hayden (26) istepped in front of Bears wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad to make the play, then returned the ball 56 yards for the game's final points in Super Bowl XLI. (Associated Press)
UPDATE: 6:10 P.M.
The Falcons announced the signing of safety James Sanders and cornerback Kelvin Hayden before facing the Baltimore Ravens in their exhibition season finale at the Georgia Dome on Thursday.
“As [coach] Mike Smith and I have said, we will always look to upgrade and fortify our roster,” said Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff, who worked for the Patriots when Sanders was drafted. “We believe that James can be a fine addition to this football team and this defense. He is a tough, hard-nosed football player who has a really fine understanding of the game. He comes from a historic winning organization. He will be a fine addition to this team.”
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The Falcons, perhaps moved by a shaky performance of their secondary in the key third exhibition game against Pittsburgh, have agreed to terms with another defensive back.
Kelvin Hayden, 28, formerly of the Indianapolis Colts, is set to sign a one-year deal with the Falcons, a day after they agreed to terms with safety James Sanders, the team has confirmed Thursday. Both are expected to sign today.
Hayden, 28, was a second-round pick in the 2005 draft. He has played in 76 games and made 46 starts. He has nine career interceptions.
They Falcons did not address their secondary in the draft or in free agency. But before training camp started on July 29, Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff stated that the team would be on the prowl for “salary cap casualties.”
Hayden and Sanders both fit that profile.
Hayden was set to make $8.6 million this season, but was recently cut by the Colts. Sanders was set to make $2.8 million, but was recently cut by the New England Patriots.
Hayden, a 5-foot-10, 198-pounder, has battled injuries over the last two seasons. He hasn’t played a full 16-game season since 2007.
Both moves are designed to improve the Falcons’ pass defense, which was ranked 22nd in the league in 2011. In the game against Pittsburgh last Saturday, they gave up touchdown passes of 77 and 44 yards.
The Falcons acquired Dunta Robinson in a major free-agent signing last season. He signed a six-year deal worth $57 million. He has missed most of the exhibition season for the second consecutive year because of a hamstring injury.
The Falcons are solid at left cornerback with Brent Grimes, who played in the Pro Bowl last season.
However, Dominique Franks and Christopher Owens are in a battle for the nickel back position. Hayden figures to contend for the starting nickel back spot.
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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140 comments Add your comment
Savannah Falcon
September 1st, 2011
9:03 am
For all you Dunta haters, you know nothing about football. Dunta is one of the best man to man corners in the game. If BVG would use him in that way, we would see a great improvement from our secondary, but all BVG does is run zone coverage all game long. He is not using Dunta in the correct way.
Mikefalcon63
September 1st, 2011
9:03 am
People who knock Robinson have no clue. There is a reason Grimes was the MOST targeted corner in the league last season. Yeah, Robinson may have gotten beat a few times. NEWS FLASH – All corners get beat from time to time (Check out the clip of Revis getting burned by Reggie Wayne). But there is a reason teams went after Grimes and not Robinson.
I like this signing except for the fact that the guy has no played a full 16 game schedule since 2007. But as some pointed out on another forum, playing the nickle will save some on wear and tear since he will be covering the slot most of the time rather than having to tackle running backs. Also, he won’t be in on every play.
clark kent
September 1st, 2011
9:07 am
What were the extent of his injuries and has he recovered?
dahlonega
September 1st, 2011
9:08 am
dunta is a good corner and just because his interceptions were down doesn’t mean jack. i believe mr asomugha has only had 2 interceptions in the last 3 seasons.
JONESBORO SLIM
September 1st, 2011
9:09 am
In the years past the Corners have played 5 plus yards off wideouts but things may different with the addition of Hayden and Sanders…we may see Dunta and grimes in a press coverage…..
dean
September 1st, 2011
9:12 am
Savannah Falcon. Are things really “Cooler in Pooler”?
Eric
September 1st, 2011
9:17 am
Really FIRED UP about these two signing’s!!!! I see Julio winning Rookie of the Year, and Thomas winning Executive of the Year AGAIN, if we advance deep into the playoff’s and possibly the Superbowl. When thing’s seem gloomy and all of us True Falcon Fan’s see weaknesses and ask for help, TD deliveries, maybe not as fast as we want him to, but that’s why he’s in charge, he makes very calculated and well thought out plan’s, then he makes his move. TD is in to win it!!! Really get sick of Falcon hater’s trashing our team, our owner, and our great city. You must have a really tired and boring life to continuely post negative remark’s. Us true Falcon fan’s have been here for alot of bad season’s and are truly enjoying what we have going on here in the ATL. So if you don’t have a life and are envious of what we have now then just keep posting what you have been, just goes to show all of us what kind a man you really are!! A jealous little Bi#?h!!! Now go and change your tampon!!! The Atlanta Falcon’s are for REAL biotchhhhh!!!!
Deport
September 1st, 2011
9:20 am
Owens has ONE bad game and you all want to cut him? … that makes a lot of sense…
huh?
September 1st, 2011
9:21 am
has Owens ever had ONE good game?
Kurtis
September 1st, 2011
9:29 am
Owens play was much better in ‘09, so you have to wonder what in the world has happened to him. The only reason he even had the opportunity to get smoked in the playoff game was because Brian Williams was hurt. I was at that pitiful display and remember thinking “uh-oh” when it was announced that Williams was inactive.
PMC
September 1st, 2011
9:30 am
and there we go. TD was always going to make these moves, they have been working on stuff in training camp and during games.
All players available at this point have some issues. That’s fine.
Kelvin Haden is a tremendous upgrade. He’s a solid NFL player as is James Sanders. The Falcons just got loads better with the depth in the secondary.
This is terrific news. Weather the trolls. This is great news.
Flo=Ri-Duh
September 1st, 2011
9:30 am
Makes sense. Falcons are 22nd in pass defense and they move up to get a wide receiver. Sounds like something Obama would do.
Tyrone Shulaces
September 1st, 2011
9:33 am
OWENS, OWENS, to the front office, and bring your playbook, please
Flo=Ri-Duh
September 1st, 2011
9:34 am
Obama logic. Falcons are 22nd in pass defense so surrender several draft picks to move up and draft a wide receiver. BRILLIANT!
The Big Fat Blogger
September 1st, 2011
9:40 am
Dammit blog, I always make great points and they never show up!!!!!!! I’m done!!!!!!!!!!!
Eric
September 1st, 2011
9:40 am
Look everyone, TD and Smitty see’s what we see, they are being patient with these young player’s like Owens, Sidbury,and adkins. They have to they invested draft pick’s in them. But eventually you patientance will run out and you have to give the next younger player a chance to develope. Don’t see those three making the cut with all this talent we ar stockpiling. Just my opinion…..
Falcon88
September 1st, 2011
9:40 am
Great to add the depth wish it could of been sooner so these guys could of had some time together but I think as the season plays out we will see a better defense on the field that can still work it when a team puts wideouts all over the field. Really think our DT’s will have a great year having a better pass rush on the other side should let them feast on some OL’s. At last we will go as far as Matt takes us so I hope he can be a gunslinger cause I see our offense starting to open an all this depends on staying healthy RISEUP
The Big Fat Blogger
September 1st, 2011
9:41 am
But yet, that last one did… what’s up Ledbetter?????
rudy
September 1st, 2011
9:42 am
hopefully these are the right moves to get to the next level….GO FALCONS!!!!
Falcon88
September 1st, 2011
9:44 am
This blog sucks sometime do all this typing for nothing to post
tt44
September 1st, 2011
9:45 am
trade Dunta overpaid underachiever pretty BOY! with no on the field terror!
PMC
September 1st, 2011
9:48 am
Folks. Learn some patience.
cwltank
September 1st, 2011
9:50 am
I think it is a win win situation. We have 4 good corners to put on the field against GB & the Aint’s lol
Plus we now have veteran debt at the safety position.
scrappy
September 1st, 2011
9:53 am
Now pick up the DE N.O let go for more pass rush help, and then we will be in great shape on defense..
Sausage King of Chicago
September 1st, 2011
10:07 am
How does the AJC not report on the fact that the most acclaimed NFL writer in the universe, Sports Illustrated’s Peter King, picked the Atlanta Falcons to win the Super Bowl in the issue on newstands this very minute? How is that possible?
bigcrimson75
September 1st, 2011
10:11 am
All this nickel corner, backup safety talk is non-sense. This year is about one thing and one thing only —- Matt Ryan. If Ryan takes the next step & becomes an elite QB then we are legit contenders. Its all about Matty Ice !!
Hollywould
September 1st, 2011
10:16 am
Sausage, It was reported 2 days ago and blogged on all day. Did u wake up from a deep sleep? Funny thing is I was watching 11 alive sports 2 nites ago and Randy Waters said it was Paull Zimmerman of SI who said the Falcons were gonna win it all. If I am not mistaken he had a bad stroke last year and cannot really do anything. How can they make that mistake? Good moves by the Falcons. Now if Edwards can come thru we are looking good. Go Falcons!!
welikebaseball2
September 1st, 2011
10:22 am
Flo=Ri-Duh: Please take your politics & agenda elsewhere. This is a Falcons blog. Maybe that’s why your “great points” seem to disappear. Just google “politics blog” & I’m sure you’ll find a home for your irrelevance.
welikebaseball2
September 1st, 2011
10:24 am
Oh about the signing, no it’s not a huge splash & yes he is essentially another team’s reject but…I submit that most other team’s rejects are still an upgrade over our CB’s not named Grimes or Robinson. My point is that it can only help.
suwaneefalcon
September 1st, 2011
10:25 am
tt44
September 1st, 2011
9:45 am
trade Dunta overpaid underachiever pretty BOY! with no on the field terror!
Another great football mind speaks. Gots to be a saints fan.
suwaneefalcon
September 1st, 2011
10:26 am
tt44
September 1st, 2011
9:45 am
trade Dunta overpaid underachiever pretty BOY! with no on the field terror!
Gots to be a saints fan. Another great mind for football.
what
September 1st, 2011
10:28 am
Cut Dunta? WHAT!? Some of you are idiots who don’t know a thing about football! All that made statements of that nature gotta be aints fans.
good old joe
September 1st, 2011
11:07 am
TONITE IF YOU A DB AND YOU WANT TO BE A FALCON YOU PLAY TO NITE OR YOU HIT THE ROAD TOMORROW. .ALL JOB’S ARE UP FOR GRABS !!!!!! GO FALCONS WINN THIS ONE. FOR THE HOME TOWNS FANS….
Cornerback Smurf
September 1st, 2011
11:22 am
When did I lock down a CB spot? Didn’t I make the Pro Bowl by default because someone else was hurt? Hayden should be taking my spot.
Asad Khan
September 1st, 2011
11:36 am
Robinson is gonna need to step up this year, teams through towards Grimes alot last year, and it hurt them. They know Grimes can play. So they’ll target Robinson more this year. We’ll see if he’s up for the challenge.
Asad Khan
September 1st, 2011
11:36 am
I meant threw, sorry
BooBoo
September 1st, 2011
11:38 am
A blog by any other name would still stink. (Anon)
dirtyo11
September 1st, 2011
11:48 am
@Savannah Falcon THANK YOU!!! Somebody besides myself finally see what I see. Robinson is a great man cover DB but the falcons use too much zone coverage. That’s why Rogers killed us, their WR kept finding the holes in our D. They can use Robinson like 49ers use to use PrimeTime. Let him D the other team #1 WR no matter where he line up.
torgo
September 1st, 2011
11:49 am
Someone asked earlier who got cut to make room. So far one of the two spots has been announced – quarterback Adam Froman has been released. No word yet on who the other casualty will be.
Probably NOT Chris Owens though. If nothing else, he’s a solid contributor on special teams and would be useful as the #5 CB / #9 overall defensive back. More likely, signing Hayden would mean Darrin Walls starts the season on the practice squad.
The question at safety is interesting too. Schillinger was one of Dimitroff’s prizes in the draft last year, but he seems to be the Falcons player set back most by the lockout. He’s clearly still in summer mode – not quick enough with his reads, reacting too late to get to the play, and not wrapping up on his tackles. Rafael Bush (a D-Led favorite) has clearly outplayed him this offseason. But Bush still has practice squad eligibility while Schillinger was active in too many games as a rookie.
If Sanders comes aboard as a third lock at safety, one of the two prospects is in serious danger of missing the final cut this weekend.
Ron the Man
September 1st, 2011
12:14 pm
Kelvin Hayden has injured his neck and knee in the past two years. He is good cornerback and was on track to make about 90 takles last year when got hurt in game 11. Indy thought he might be back in the last game, but didn’t make it. He is a proven vet and claims that he is healthy now.I am sure the Falcons gave physicals and tests, but several teams tried him out and passed on him. He may well play with a chip on his shoulder because of rejection by Indy,Bears,KC and Vikes. TD will probably get him at a good price with performance incentives built in. Based on what I read about Sanders, the reporters said he had the most consistent numbers of any of the Pat’s safeties last year. He just had pulled hamstring this year and missed most of the preseason and became a cap casualty. TD knows how to stike when the iron is hot to get the bang for the bucks, and I think he just added the depth and super bowl experience to show our younger players what it takes to make it to the “Big Show”.
warfalcons
September 1st, 2011
12:17 pm
Flo=Ri-Duh this is football not politics so STFU!!!! GO MSNBC SOMEWHERE.
realitycheck
September 1st, 2011
12:48 pm
Eric……..you are gonna be one disappointed guy this season pal. What are you smoking? This defense is mediocre at best against the good offenses. And this deep in the playoffs crap? This regime hasn’t a playoff win yet, and it’s far from certain that the Falcons will even make the playoffs this season.
Just Looking
September 1st, 2011
1:08 pm
Hey some of you Dunta loving tools….he is a average CB at best and there is nothing spectacular about him. He just loves to hit. He is not a great cover CB as some has said. He does not shutdown his side of the field. QB’s chose to go after Grimes because of his smallish size. He is grossly over-paid. The weird part about him is that his rookie year was his best year. So again, Dunta is a average CB, nothing spectacular about him except his contract. If the Falcons would of held off 1 year they could of used his salary in a effort to land Nnamdi. I hope this last panic minute secondary help/depth or whatever its called pays off.
What's Important
September 1st, 2011
1:10 pm
Savannah Falcon – are you by chance also a Georgia Southern grad? Brian Van Gorder has kept a week defense together with duct tape and baling wire the last three years and the Falcons have managed three winning seasons in a row. I believe he knows how to use his players.
Darrell
September 1st, 2011
1:19 pm
I agree with Nik, what’s goin on with the board? It should be resolved by now.
DC Dirty Bird
September 1st, 2011
1:20 pm
realitycheck…..You can’t fake 13-3. Maybe you’ve forgotten that our last two playoff losses have come to the eventual NFC champs. That’s not evidence of a lack of a quality team, that’s bad luck and timing. Would we not have gone to Seattle and won? Chicago?
Savannah Falcon
September 1st, 2011
1:26 pm
What’s Important – you need your head examined if you think BVG knows how to use his players. He is way over his head in the pros and everyone knows it
Steve-O
September 1st, 2011
1:54 pm
Just Looking
September 1st, 2011
1:08 pm
Hey some of you Dunta loving tools….he is a average CB at best and there is nothing spectacular about him. He just loves to hit. He is not a great cover CB as some has said. He does not shutdown his side of the field. QB’s chose to go after Grimes because of his smallish size. He is grossly over-paid. The weird part about him is that his rookie year was his best year. So again, Dunta is a average CB, nothing spectacular about him except his contract. If the Falcons would of held off 1 year they could of used his salary in a effort to land Nnamdi. I hope this last panic minute secondary help/depth or whatever its called pays off.
_______________________________________________________________________
Just Looking,
Since you’re such an expert on cornerback play in the NFL, explain to the rest of us how you came to the conclusion that Dunta is average? Your man Nnamdi has 3 picks in the last 4 seasons and 11 in his entire 8 year career, while Dunta has 5 picks in the last 4 seasons and 14 in his career. And before you throw out the “teams didn’t throw at Nnamdi” argument, check any football reference to see how many balls were thrown at Dunta last year.
Kudzu
September 1st, 2011
2:38 pm
OK, I’m an idiot, so what…DUNTA is still worthless…man can’t find a way to get on the field during the preseason…and sorry to you wannabe football experts, I was going to Falcon games before most of you were born.
Dunta needs to make some plays! BTW, what momma would name their son DUNTA?
Kudzu
September 1st, 2011
2:39 pm
Grimes outplayed DUNTA by miles…i.e.Pro Bowl