Atlanta Falcons: Grimes will not sign franchise tag

The Falcons' defense slowed down Green Bay and New Orleans this season, but they need to get cornerback Brent Grimes back, according to Mayock.  Curtis Compton  ccompton@ajc.com

The Falcons' defense slowed down Green Bay and New Orleans this season, but they need to get cornerback Brent Grimes back, according to Mayock. Curtis Compton ccompton@ajc.com

UPDATE: Grimes doesn’t plan to sign the franchise tag.

“We have no plans to sign the tag at this time,” said Ben Dogra, Grimes’ agent. “We hope to be able to continue to discuss [through] all the issues at the appropriate time.”

POSTED EARLIER

Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff told us at the NFL scouting combine last week that the Falcons were considering placing the franchise tag on Brent Grimes.

The folks in the Grimes’ camp told us yesterday, “I think he’s going to get tagged.”

This morning on 790 The Zone, Dimitroff made it official.

“That’s at the top of our list, as you could imagine,” said Dimitroff over the airwaves from California, where he’s on a scouting trip.  “We spent a lot of time on this decision and we decided that we will put the franchise tag on Brent Grimes. We are looking forward to continuing discussions with his representatives. We are excited about having him back for the next year, if not more. This is a good thing for us as an organization.”

He also addressed why the team feels that Grimes is worth more than $10 million.

“Our feeling is [that] Brent Grimes is an excellent athlete who can move, cover and break on the ball with some of the top corners in this league,” Dimitroff said. “We feel comfortable with his abilities and the way they he’s picked up our system and has settled in nicely over the last few years that we’ve been here. . . .Brent Grimes obviously does that against, big, small, fast or slow receivers in this league. We’re encouraged about having him back.”

 The radio station is the team’s flagship broadcasting partner and the team is moving toward breaking news with media outlets that they have financial relationships with.

The Falcons have to start making some moves on their own players or they will become unrestricted free agents at 4 p.m. on March 13. The deadline to place the franchise tag on a player is Monday. 

While defensive end Kroy Biermann is set to sign a contract extension, several other deals are expected before March 13.

He also stated that the team is not in negotiations with quarterback Matt Ryan for a contract extension at this time, the negotiations with middle linebacker Curtis Lofton are ongoing and the team wants John Abraham back. He did not reveal at what price the team wanted Abraham back.

Here’s the list of the Falcons’ prospective free agents: Abraham, John DE; Chambers, Kirk OL; DeCoud, Thomas S; Douglas, Harry WR; Grimes, Brent CB; Hayden, Kelvin CB; Kelly, Reggie TE; Lofton, Curtis LB; McClure, Todd OL; Peterson, Mike LB; Redman, Chris QB; Romberg, Brett OL; Sanders, James S; Snelling, Jason RB; Weems, Eric WR and Zelenka, Joe LS.

–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog

Get instant updates on Twitter at AJCFalcons and you can join the Facebook Fan page at AJC Falcons.

259 comments Add your comment

Rell

March 2nd, 2012
9:23 am

That would be a lot of money spent on one position

D. Orlando Ledbetter

March 2nd, 2012
9:25 am

Yes it would. Zelenka??

PMC

March 2nd, 2012
9:29 am

If it is Grimes, I’m happy to have him for another year. The guy has earned a payday of some type. I believe they can still negociate a long term deal after tagging him if both parties agree. Not sure.

Curtis Lofton and Brent Grimes are two of the better players on this defense over the last several years and they are big reasons why the team has played as well as it has over the course of that time. Hope they find a way to keep them here.

falconfanriseup

March 2nd, 2012
9:30 am

I say tag him but find out how to get a long term deal for next year

Mr. Phil

March 2nd, 2012
9:31 am

The amount spent on Grimes and Robinson won’t seem so bad once a couple people are given their walking papers. (I am looking at you Baker)

PMC

March 2nd, 2012
9:33 am

CONGRATS OPTIMUS GRIMES!!! AKA: Grimetime 20

Mr. Phil

March 2nd, 2012
9:34 am

Ok. So it is 9:34. What’s up?

PMC

March 2nd, 2012
9:37 am

Grimes is going to be tagged Mr. Phil according to TD.

falconfanriseup

March 2nd, 2012
9:37 am

Thomas D just said on 790 the zone that Grimes will get the franchise tag

Mr. Phil

March 2nd, 2012
9:39 am

Cool. Money well spent. Now how do we free up some cap space. (still looking at Baker).

Rell

March 2nd, 2012
9:40 am

Zelenka? ……..

Anyway I like Grimes, and he has worked hard to earn his pay day. He deserves it, but hopefully they can get something worked out that will save us some cap space.

Falconbikerdude

March 2nd, 2012
9:48 am

Zelenka is the long snapper..why are we talking about him?? Brent Grimes is a solid cb and deserves a long term deal. It appears to me that his agent is being very greedy though if we have to tag grimes. With that list, the most important pieces are abraham, lofton, decoud, grimes, mcclure, snelling and weems.. Lets get this done management!!

Dan

March 2nd, 2012
9:48 am

Nuts. He is not one of the top DB in the NFL. I would rather give Walls a chance or Owens was looking good at the end of the year or Franks. We need to put that money toward Mario Williams and Reggie Nelson on D and upgrading our Offensive line

TG

March 2nd, 2012
9:53 am

Can we get Grimes to stay without @iheartmiko?

Joshing

March 2nd, 2012
9:53 am

The tag is not something Grimes was given. It is something he earned.

J dubb

March 2nd, 2012
9:57 am

I had read about the possibilty of Grimes, not being as good in the new Def of Nolan. I guess Nolan and TD and Smitty think that Grimes will still be a top DB in the new system. Obviously, if he struggles, this will be a big mistake. I kind of agree with Dan@9:48 – We need upgrades a lots of positions and Grimes still does not seem like a perennial Pro-Bowler to me.
Lofton is a MUST to get locked down!

Tree Rollins

March 2nd, 2012
9:58 am

I am totally unimpressed with how TD is allocating the Falcons dollars and draft picks – we are running out of both with very little forward progress to show while using up so much of our resources! Am I the only one that sees this?

teamguy

March 2nd, 2012
10:01 am

Apparently TD and our new DC Nolan think he’ll work well in the “new” system, so I’m okay with the move. I think we all have been pulling for this guy since he joined the team. Remember when the best you could say about him was how athletic he is? Now, he’s work his way to become one of the best at his position. Congratulations on a big payday, Mr. Grimes.

Falkor

March 2nd, 2012
10:02 am

one less thing to worry about.

Tree Rollins

March 2nd, 2012
10:02 am

Aside from our excellent quarterback, the team is beginning to remind me of Dan Snyder’s Redskins. We draft poorly and spend a huge sum of money on the wrong free agents – then blame the coach if the team doesn’t achieve it’s goals.

D man

March 2nd, 2012
10:03 am

Patrick Kerney on the NFL network said he thought the Falcons would try to get Mario Williams and let Abe go. I really like that idea if they can make it happen. Mario is a QB killer… :)

D man

March 2nd, 2012
10:05 am

Smart move on the Fran tag for Grimes. I’m still not convinced he is a top tier CB but deserves another injury free year to show it against the tall receivers who have burned him in the past.

Chop Buster

March 2nd, 2012
10:05 am

I’d just like to see how Grimes plans man and press coverage when called upon to do so. He is a light weight and is a liability in my opinion. I can’t say that I’m happy about giving an average guy top players salary for a year–at least it’s not long term. Dude is not all of that.

Bob in Buford

March 2nd, 2012
10:08 am

Like Grimes a lot, but he’s not an elite corner. What a terrible decision.

Reggie

March 2nd, 2012
10:08 am

Tree Rollins

March 2nd, 2012
9:58 am
I am totally unimpressed with how TD is allocating the Falcons dollars and draft picks – we are running out of both with very little forward progress to show while using up so much of our resources! Am I the only one that sees this?

No your not…the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and expecting different results. I like Grimes but bringing back the same players like Kroy,Weems,Decoud, and Lofton will only yield the same results while costing valuable cap space. No other Falcon free agents need to be re-signed after this.

Tree Rollins

March 2nd, 2012
10:09 am

Grimes is a great player and we certainly need him – but he’s not worthy of ‘franchise’ money – same with Lofton, Abraham, and McClure. i’d love to understand what the blueprint is for this team from TD – other than spur of the moment reactions to each new event.

Chop Buster

March 2nd, 2012
10:09 am

Tree Rollins…I totally agree with you.

Chop Buster

March 2nd, 2012
10:10 am

Tree Rollins – your 10:02 comment

Reggie

March 2nd, 2012
10:10 am

Tree Rollins i was with you until you said we had an excellent quarterback

Arm Chair GM

March 2nd, 2012
10:12 am

Arm Chair GM here. Now – here is what i would do… Lock down Lofton, cut Sam Betty Baker, cut Snelling (good but injury prone and taking up $$), cut Abe, and try your best to go after Mario Williams while staying under the cap. Don’t even know if that’s possible to do…

Our problem is we need serious help on both the D-line and O-line, and where in a position where we really cant significantly improve both. So which one will it be? I say D-line. Our offense works well as it is, and should only get better. Burner still gets his 1,000+ yards.

Good defense starts with a good pass rush. We had none last year which lead to our D getting torched week in week out. I could throw for 4 TDs and 400 yards if i had 9 seconds to stand there and get rid of the ball.

Supes

March 2nd, 2012
10:18 am

We are overpaying for Grimes if he’s getting “tagged”. I understand why they’re doing it (need for CB plus a smallish FA pool of people to choose from – impact players anyways) but that’s still too much $ for Grimes for 1 year.

I wish they’d let Abe, Lofton and Turner walk and save some $…

Jeff B

March 2nd, 2012
10:20 am

Optimus Grimes returns!!

Decatur

March 2nd, 2012
10:21 am

I just dont see the big plays that Lofton makes or made since he has been here. Grimes earned his money. Grimes is the best corner the Falcons have had since Deion left town.

va falcon

March 2nd, 2012
10:21 am

what a terrible move . yeah grimes gets alot of picks but if your the most thrown at corner in the league . you are gonna get some picks from time to time.everytime he plays man or press he was beat after the first 5 yard

PreyDawg

March 2nd, 2012
10:21 am

@Chop Buster…do you watch the games dude? Show me a game where Grimes got beat consistently playing man. We did not play enough man in my opinion. The guy is GREAT in man!! I am baffled where you came up with this?? Sure he got beat some, but the best one’s get beat….sometimes. He was very tight in man in the games before he hurt his knee. They guy is a top ten corner in the league. I don’t see how you can say otherwise.

rivercard

March 2nd, 2012
10:28 am

Grimes has been a pleasant surprise but hardly superstar. The needs on oline and dline are so significant I can’t see how they can justify this.

bucket

March 2nd, 2012
10:30 am

Grimes is a good player, but not a franchise tag player. I had high hopes for the Blank, Dimitrov, and Smith regime, but my hopes are fading fast. Yes they have brought us more consistency than we ever had before, but the Falcons are not any closer to challenging for a Super Bowl than they were 4 years ago. Tagging Grimes is more of the same of the bone-headed moves that are all too familiar to Hawks, Braves, and Falcons fans.

jerseyfalcon

March 2nd, 2012
10:30 am

I really don’t think any monday morning quarterback fan knows the importance of a good long snapper is! Seriously…his snaps have been dead on every single time and w/ out him Bosher couldn’t punt, Bryant can’t kick a game winner. If the Falcons had a crappy snapper games could eb lost by that single, and a lot of your minds simple, play.

Mave2124

March 2nd, 2012
10:30 am

I am sure Grimes would rather have a long term deal, but I’d sign the $10.6 F-Tag contract, guarantee the coin and see what the team say come summer. That F-Tag money is more than D-Rob will make this year and more than Grimes has made over his NFL career. I can see the silver lining in this…not sure if his camp will, but I hope so…now, I say, we need to sign Lofton and back up the Brinks Truck for Carl Nicks if Brees gets tagged, make him the highest paid guard, stick him next to Clabo and secure the 2nd most important, but often underrated part of the O-line!

[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution [...]

Worldwide Clyde

March 2nd, 2012
10:35 am

Grimes can’t stay healthy and is average when healthy. I think Blank is still running the team and Dimitroff is just a puppet.

Larry

March 2nd, 2012
10:36 am

“Gets” or “Considering?” Which is is, Mr. Ledbetter?

Larry

March 2nd, 2012
10:37 am

Disregard…my bad!

I read the headline and then the first sentence and responded prematurely.

PMC

March 2nd, 2012
10:39 am

Free agency just started, relax about the cap money, we aren’t the Raiders. Those guys have problems, there’s plenty of room to move yet.

Double Zero Eight

March 2nd, 2012
10:42 am

I like Grimes but do not believe he deserves the “franchise”
tag. I am still concerned about his size. I am sure Nolan
provided considerable input regarding the decision. I don’t
think Grimes matches up well against big, fast athletic receivers
like Calvin Johnson or A.J. Green. Grimes is not an elite corner.

The worst thing for the Falcons would be for Grimes to become
synonymous with Joe Johnson, A good player is not the same thing
as a great or “elite” player/

Larry

March 2nd, 2012
10:42 am

This is actually pretty wise.

We really would be gambling to lose him based on the uncertainty of our other options. But, for the next year under Nolan, we’ll know for sure how much we need to sign him or use the money elsewhere based on the stepping up, or down, of our other CB. I still think Chris Hall has the raw talent–and certainly the speed–to be effective…he just needs the confidence.

PMC

March 2nd, 2012
10:44 am

How the hell do you get “average” out of Brent Grimes? He’s been hurt ONCE for a length of time albiet a critical one. He has made play after play after play, so much so that despite of his stature which looks to be an advantage to throw against, teams now avoid him.

He is the best CB on the team. It’s not a bad decision to keep him around. Now they can work out a more cap advantagous deal without having to bid against half the league.

Brian Hunt

March 2nd, 2012
10:45 am

I’m happy for #20. Why are people complaining about his salary like they are the one’s who’ll be signing the checks? The whole point of last year’s labor negotiations was for the higher salaries to go to veterans instead of rookies. The team still has plenty of cap room and I hope that eventually they work out a longer deal that’s friendly to the cap. Good for the Grimes family. I hope he takes Miko on a great vacay to celebrate.

falconfiend

March 2nd, 2012
10:51 am

Great move. I dont see why Abraham is bringing up other defensive end contracts, he should be talking about winning a superbowl with the falcons. i question is internal leadership and his motives. He had so many injuries and is getting much older. He has not done squat in the playoffs, Lets give the youger guys a chance now and lets stop talking about the defensive ends. Signed edwards for 50 mil last season.

falconfan

March 2nd, 2012
10:51 am

They tagged him so they could see how he fits in Nolan’s system. If he doesn’t, they let him walk next year, no strings attached. But if we had given him a contract worth say 4 years 30 million with 16 mil guaranteed, and he didn’t work out, we’d been screwed.
Plus this means we have 10 million coming off the books next year. Still have 20+ million in cap space this year, could be more after some cuts. Just calm down everyone.

Big Crimson 75

March 2nd, 2012
10:53 am

Grimes has been a solid player for the Falcons. Franchising Grimes makes more sense than using the Tag on Loftin or Abe — neither of whom are worth top 5 @ their position money….Abe is too old & Loftin, while solid, is no where near worth the kind of $$ franchising him would cost.

With Grimes wrapped — now it’s time Linemen — on both sides of the Line.

Double Zero Eight

March 2nd, 2012
10:54 am

It’s not my money. I wish Grimes the best.
Having “heart’ goes a loing way, and makes up
for his physical limitations for the most part.

falconfan

March 2nd, 2012
10:54 am

Now it says he’s not gonna sign it. That might change some things.

D. Orlando Ledbetter

March 2nd, 2012
10:55 am

Heard back from the Grimes’ camp. They have no intentions of signing the franchise tag. It appears they want to pursue a long-term deal. This one could get messy.

Mr. Pappagiorgio

March 2nd, 2012
10:57 am

How can they not sign it? Does that mean he sits out if they wont sign it?

Jason

March 2nd, 2012
10:58 am

D-Led – Can you provide any more context on what his refusal to sign the franchise tag means? I mean, does he really have a choice in the matter? If the Falcon’s declare that he’s franchised, what are his options? Thanks.

GT GRAD

March 2nd, 2012
11:00 am

The question is: Can we really Franchise Tag Brent Grimes, sign Mario Wliiams AND afford to fill the remaining vacant spots (Falcon Free Agents & draft picks) under the cap??

Joe Tess Fish House

March 2nd, 2012
11:00 am

Just grate. The Flacons….I mean Dummytroff realy blew this one. Had they not wasisted all that money on Donto Roberson they could pay Grimes but no they had 2 be stupid.

Boom Dizzle

March 2nd, 2012
11:03 am

I really hope this was just to buy more time to work out a better deal. Grimes is a big time player, but we can’t seriously be paying him around $10 mil….Work out a better deal TD…

MIke#1

March 2nd, 2012
11:04 am

Let that punk walk. He’s not going to win the team a championship.

falconsguy111

March 2nd, 2012
11:14 am

Grimes can afford a membership at Gold’s Gym now……awesome

falconsguy111

March 2nd, 2012
11:17 am

Brent get $2M…….wife gets the rest

JSS

March 2nd, 2012
11:21 am

D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 2nd, 2012
10:55 am
“This one could get messy.”

Didn’t we have this conversation the other day?

PMC

March 2nd, 2012
11:21 am

It’s better off to sign a long term deal if they want to keep him. As far as I know, a non exclusive would mean another team could sign Grimes in return for two 1st round picks of compensation. Or Grimes can, just not sign the tag and not play period.

I don’t understand why players view this as a bad thing. 10.2 million dollars IS generational money and it’s guaranteed. Much of the long term deals are not guaranteed at all. The Falcons can’t want to pay Grimes 10.2 million of thier cap space this season, but neither do they want to let him become a free agent.

Grimes wants a long term deal and the Falcons would probably like to offer one. The question is, does Grimes want to be a Falcon?

The other possibility is that this is his only shot at a big contract and it diminishes if he plays another year with him being older, but seriously, 10.2 million guaranteed is a lot to scoff at.

I’d sign and try to work out a longer deal after that, you can always holdout.

coachx

March 2nd, 2012
11:22 am

Get Mario Williams !

The Falconator

March 2nd, 2012
11:27 am

I respect the athleticism and grit Grimes brings to the D-backfield, but he gives up five or six inches in height and a good bit of arm length to the elite receivers in the league. He’s a keeper because he’s able to maintain his coverage despite the absence of a pass rush. He has earned a solid payday, but the tag makes the deal too rich. The Falcons are in a bind because there is no apparent replacement for him in the ranks and the FA list is thin at CB. Before giving up on Dunta, let’s see him in a man/press defense which is his preferred set-up. More importantly, find some linemen who can hold blocks and generate some push.

Shawn

March 2nd, 2012
11:31 am

We wasted too much money on High Priced Free Agents when we should be developing through the Draft, There are plenty of picks we skipped over that turned into Pro Bowlers, Patrick Willis, Asante Samuel, Pierre Paul, We Just keep missing on the High Picks and the Falcons love to Keep Drafting Injured Players- Our Peria Jerry DT along with Sam Baker, And not to mention Bust Pick Ups like Dunta Robinson. And can we please start Lawrence Sidbury,

Mike Franklin

March 2nd, 2012
11:33 am

To heck with him. If he doesn’t want to wear our uniform, let him go. Why pay him big $$ to come back and be an unhappy, do-nothing because he wants to be in Detroit or Cleveland?

Freakin cut him.

mave2124

March 2nd, 2012
11:34 am

Grrrreat (with sarcasm)….there is my answer, his camp decides to act the way they did last year in not signing tender until last minute…No Grimes around the facility until Training Camp….oh well…

ATL Fan

March 2nd, 2012
11:46 am

Time to check into trading Grimes. Find out what the Redskins want to pay him, if it’s more than the franchise amount, look at getting their first round draft pick and 3rd round pick(#70), then sign and trade.

[...] may not be well in the land as the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s D. Orlando Ledbetter has just reported that Grimes will not sign the [...]

Joshua Malavenda

March 2nd, 2012
11:57 am

Falconfan- you took the words right out of my mouth I was thinking the same thing.

My thoughts- I bet one of the players they are meeting on the west coast is coby fleener. I think abs walks and I hope clofton comes to some agreement but I wouldnt be upset if he walked either.

Brent Grimes

March 2nd, 2012
12:01 pm

He won’t sign franchise tag, now what’s next TD?

Jimmy Crack

March 2nd, 2012
12:03 pm

I met Zelenka at one of the preseason camps. A very funny guy.

Good for #20 getting paid. Now all he needs to do is have a solid season and he will get his overdue multi-year contract in 2013. This one is for the team, Brent. We need you.

da roosta

March 2nd, 2012
12:10 pm

Too much money. Let him go. I would say to resign him if they released Robinson.

1982 Falcons Fan

March 2nd, 2012
12:12 pm

Everybody saying give C. Owens a chance the man can’t cover his bed he is the reason we lost to the Packers in the playoffs was because of his two dumba$$ penalties he got be4 halftime i see why we never win in ATL we hardly ever go get a player wit a name or who was good in college we draft bad players all the time and try to develop’em all the time we might as well work for a Ford dealership wit a these recall players that we have on the team

PMC

March 2nd, 2012
12:12 pm

Releasing Robinson is not an option, he cost almost as much to cut as to keep this year and next year.

Samuel

March 2nd, 2012
12:13 pm

Bob of Buford, with no number one picks and not many available corners in free agency what were the Falcons to do? You have to look at the entire situation. Besides Grimes isn’t chop liver…..

BIRDSFLYHIGH

March 2nd, 2012
12:15 pm

I love Grimes but I see the tag & trade for picks move here. Darrin Walls is another Brent Grimes, just watch & see!

Good move

March 2nd, 2012
12:15 pm

He is the most important player on the defense. You have to sign him.

Hollywould

March 2nd, 2012
12:17 pm

Man, all u people saying he is too short. What cornerback is as tall as AJ. Green? calvin johnson? vincent jackson? Nobody. Name me a 6ft 2 corner You can’t. This guy is the best athelete on the team. Undercuts slants, outs, curls, as good as anyone in this league. Yeah, he gets beat sometimes because he takes some chances. Much rather have him on that corner than someone playing 12 yards deep and never making a play.

D. Orlando Ledbetter

March 2nd, 2012
12:24 pm

Jason — Holdout and keep negotiating a new deal.

D. Orlando Ledbetter

March 2nd, 2012
12:27 pm

PMC — You are correct on Dunta. He’s a Falcon. Wrap your arms around him and love him up.

ATLBOSS

March 2nd, 2012
12:29 pm

Why would you franchise a 5′8 inch cornerback? Then resign bierman? Same thing all over again. It’s time to remove Dimitroff. No elite athletes in Atlanta sports. Maybe Julio Jones.

G. Tanner

March 2nd, 2012
12:30 pm

He’s a really good corner. Much better, and I mean much, much better than overpaid, underperforming Dunta Robinson. I know agents hate the franchise tag, but really, either way, this will mean he has earned a payday far beyond what he had any expectation of coming out of college. Hope he’s not sad or mad about getting really rich.

D. Orlando Ledbetter

March 2nd, 2012
12:30 pm

Franchise tag deals can get messy. Here’s a clip from Dunta Robinson’s situation with the Texans.

canadian falcon

March 2nd, 2012
12:30 pm

why spend 12 million on abe when you can spend a couple million more and have a major upgrade with super mario. Him, peters, babineaux, edwards…….. look out qbs

[...] have no plans to sign the tag at this time,” Ben Dogra told the Atlanta Journal Constitution. “We hop[e] to be able to continue to disscuss through all the issues at the appropriate [...]

Matt Ryan's Dad

March 2nd, 2012
12:31 pm

Does it surprise anyone that he could possibly hold out? After all, this is the same man who was too “injured” to play against the Giants.

G. Tanner

March 2nd, 2012
12:31 pm

I’ll wrap my arms around Dunta when he starts wrapping his arms around some receivers and ball carriers and wrapping his hands around some footballs.

The Talker

March 2nd, 2012
12:35 pm

No negotiations with Matt Ryan…Hmmm, has the eye opening time arrived??

[...] it looks as though the first scenario could be in play. D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution has an ominous quote from Grimes’ agent, Ben Dogra: “We have no plans to sign the tag at [...]

stingembuzz

March 2nd, 2012
12:37 pm

Stupid move to tag Grimes. He is not a top 5 DB and is now going to get paid top 5 money.

J.J.M.

March 2nd, 2012
12:40 pm

lol everyone wants mario williams so bad…too bad it wont happen…falcons better off signing grant wistrom and patrick kerney

Bzaust

March 2nd, 2012
12:49 pm

Chopbuster@10:05 Lightweight really Grimes covered Megatron as good as anybody could last year …. enough said. He’s earned every penny.

Matt A

March 2nd, 2012
12:49 pm

For the people that don’t think Grimes was worth the franchise tag you are absolute idiots and your football acumen is ZERO!!! Nothing is ever good enough for Falcon fans, and all the people criticizing are nothing more than armchair QB’s that have no clue about the sport! Its no coincidence that FORBES gave us the worst sport city in America, I really being to question the intelligence of some of the naysayers on these boards. Grimes deserves his payday, he has been the most consistent and best CB we have and he knows the system like the back of his hand. He’s the most athletic player on our team and tackles EXTREMELY well! GREAT MOVE TD!!!! PS- We WILL sign Mario Williams…

jay

March 2nd, 2012
12:49 pm

I liked Grimes a lot more when he was only costing the team $2.5 milliion.

DBoss

March 2nd, 2012
12:52 pm

The problem with the D the last few years was the the predictable soft zone on 3rd and long. We’ve had enough talent, just haven’t played any press coverage. With tat being said, I’d love to see Mario Williams in a Falcons uniform for several years.

Falco peregrino

March 2nd, 2012
12:56 pm

Falconriseup that’s the point of the franchise tag, to buy extra time to work out a contract.

Rip

March 2nd, 2012
12:56 pm

I say sign him to a deal and then trade him for some picks, this draft is loaded

Tommy Maddox

March 2nd, 2012
12:58 pm

Grimes won’t sign? Good – let’s get some D linemen instead!

jbo

March 2nd, 2012
12:58 pm

I don’t like it ,but what do I know.

C from Marietta

March 2nd, 2012
12:59 pm

FU Grimes. Don’t let the door hit you the you know what. Another greedy football player.
But watching football is probably more important to all you jokers than your kids.
America is going the way of the Roman Empire. Watch your games while the President and the Senate screw you!

jbo

March 2nd, 2012
12:59 pm

what happens if he does not sign?

J.J.M.

March 2nd, 2012
1:00 pm

if doesnt resign he will sit out the year…remember vincent jackson on the chargers?

Tommy Maddox

March 2nd, 2012
1:01 pm

We could probably get a gang of picks out of the deal.

Kane337

March 2nd, 2012
1:04 pm

The Talker
March 2nd, 2012
12:35 pm

No negotiations with Matt Ryan…Hmmm, has the eye opening time arrived??

—————————

No.

Ryan has 2 years left on his deal. It takes 2 to tango. Falcons want to re-up now since his stock is low with 0 playoff wins. I guarantee you Matt Ryan’s camp wants to hold off another year, maybe win a playoff game or two, and then re-sign a much larger deal.

jbo

March 2nd, 2012
1:04 pm

Sitting out the year does’nt sound very profitable,his is after all 29 or 30.

Kane337

March 2nd, 2012
1:05 pm

jbo
March 2nd, 2012
12:59 pm

what happens if he does not sign

—————————————————–

It will be called a holdout.

NewYork1

March 2nd, 2012
1:14 pm

Let him hold out,heck let the entire team holdout,then you losers will have a reason to whine.GO GIANTS

NewYork1

March 2nd, 2012
1:15 pm

We got a ring and all you got was WHINE

T

March 2nd, 2012
1:19 pm

So the Falcons take a chance on Grimes Early in his career and develop you out of WHERE Shiple(who) College. Now you do not want 10 million. I like Grimes game a LOT! Great skillz. But everytime he jumps up and steals/Knocks the ball away I CRINGE when he hits the ground. Big money and long contract a BIG gamble… In my opinion.

Chop Buster

March 2nd, 2012
1:19 pm

@PreyDawg…Learn to read and comprehend. How is “I’d just like to see how Grimes plays man and press coverage when called upon to do so. He is a light weight and is a liability in my opinion.” saying that he constantly gets beat in man and press coverage? I believe someone else said that genius. Sorry I’m not all over Grimes’ NUTZ like some of you. Again, he’s NOT all of that.

[...] Atlanta Falcons This entry was posted in Atlanta Falcons and tagged Atlanta, Falcons, franchise, Grimes, sign. Bookmark the permalink. ← Report: Ravens to franchise Rice (Yahoo! Sports) [...]

Nique

March 2nd, 2012
1:25 pm

we should let Grimes walk, bring Carlos Rodgers or one of the other top cbs who can play bump & runin for that kind of money

Mikey

March 2nd, 2012
1:29 pm

I like Grimes. I like his attitude, his coverage and his athleticism. He is still getting better every year and is one of the top defensive players on the team. I don’t mind seeing him get his payday, especially since the Falcons would most likely be weakened at that position without him.

That being said, I would also like to see much more fierce and unpredictable penetration out of our front 7. Our dependence on an elite secondary would certainly be reduced if they were more effective. I’m watching these changes with great interest. I see a lot of talent on this team and think the coaching adjustments will make a big difference with virutally the same players.

cwltank

March 2nd, 2012
1:34 pm

It was a no brainer to franchise Grimes. Therefore he is forced to play & if he choose not to sign, he want play this year. Basically, if a team want him long term they must convince him to sign with the Falcons, so he can be traded. Which will benefit us with drft picks, a win win situation, why not get something instaed of nothing. In addition, Grimes would shine in the slot CB postion & if not he is only on the books for a year. However, that situation is nothing compared to the importance of signing Mario Williams. If we can cut Babs & Ovie we wouldhave enough to sign him. Babs is undersized and Peters is better & younger.

Cavey2009

March 2nd, 2012
1:41 pm

Honestly i would rather see grimes be left out and draft a player like brandon boykin taller and faster and could be a great fit on the other side of weems on KR or PR… but again not my decision… I like Abe but unless we get another good DE on his opposite side he is gonna be ok at best… i wanna see the falcons pick up J peppers.. or give Bear Woods a shot the man is a best

Cavey2009

March 2nd, 2012
1:42 pm

ok scratch that last part bear woods is now a CFL

CrαZy

March 2nd, 2012
1:53 pm

Don’t like this!!!

Saint Hater

March 2nd, 2012
2:10 pm

Y’all Grimes haters are nuts! Someine said he can’t cover big guys like Green or Johnson, but I actuially watched the Lions game last year. They don’t call him Optimus Grimes because he loves Kia, ok. This isn’t fantasy football where every team is stacked with all the big name guys. We have an established CB who is one fo the best in a Tampa 2 style and hasn’t really been tested in press coverage. HOpefully Grimey will get his head out of his butt and sign the tender, they can still work toward a longer term deal and the goodwqill would repay him in spades. We’ll see.

[...] I go on, here’s the full quote from Grimes’ agent, courtesy of the [...]

Who Me?

March 2nd, 2012
2:15 pm

It’s Dogra just trying to stick his finger in Dimitroff’s eye with AB. He knows/thinks he can get more $$$’s by stiff-arming the franchise tag. This will play out between now and Monday and Grimes will stay here.

True Falcon Fan

March 2nd, 2012
2:23 pm

Oh “wondrous ONE de wizard of OZ” only you would know, Is this the sign, franchise tag on Grimme – is this the first sign of “Falcons implosion” comOn-with-it he/she it genius??? Please we are all waiting to hear your message – explain your wondrous wakin’ words of wisdom. Yoy DRIP – you’ve got ALL the answers right

You find that pawn shop yet in Canton, Ga

Just Looking

March 2nd, 2012
2:25 pm

I wonder about the condition of Grimes knee. A 5ft8 CB can’t have a lingering knee issue.

Cornerback Smurf

March 2nd, 2012
2:27 pm

This is UNBELIEVABLE!! This management regime is starting to smell like the days of old. I can think of 10 million better players to spend money on than the Cornerback Smurf Grimes!! I’m almost ready to burn all my Falcons gear, memorabilia, etc….

Quick, can someone tell me the last player personnel move the Falcons made that makes sense (or at least agreeable to 3/4 of the fan base)??

True Falcon Fan

March 2nd, 2012
2:34 pm

2:27 so i’m guess you are of that percentage that don’t attend “SOLD HOME GAMES” in these past seasons —- Moron! And that would mean your comment means squat!

Tell it like it is

March 2nd, 2012
2:34 pm

Falcons don’t need to give Grimes that kind of money,hes to small to play corner in the NFL.with teams going for bigger and faster receivers,let him walk,give walls and franks a chance.and spend that money were its need’ed.i like his effort,but hes just to small.and teams like the giants for example can’t wait to get on the field with someone like grimes

Die Hard Falcon

March 2nd, 2012
2:36 pm

I am hoping that they’re doing this franchise tag in order to trade him, I don’t want 10Mill in Grimes, that’s 1/3 of the cap space we had for 17 guys (and hoping to sign either Nicks or super Mario), this just doesn’t make sense to me at this point. I really hope they trade him for a 2nd rd pick or something and get the cap back, Super Mario would drastically improve our D, the Dline gets pressure, all the secondary look like superstars, much easier to cover for 2 seconds than 10.

Go Falcons!

Tell it like it is

March 2nd, 2012
2:38 pm

I seen Grimes in person,and he an’t no 5-8,hes more like 5-4 or 5-5.

Fred Macmurray

March 2nd, 2012
2:41 pm

Wizard of Oz,,, that can only be one person,,, our old pal JSS,,,

coleski

March 2nd, 2012
2:42 pm

Good player, not great.

Fred Macmurray

March 2nd, 2012
2:45 pm

10 Million is a lot for a Smurf. We need Linemen,, O and D.

Cornerback Smurf

March 2nd, 2012
2:49 pm

@ True Falcon Fan – First of all, learn how to speak/type when you address an adult. Secondly, yes, I am apart of the group that does not attend Falcon home games….mostly because I live in California. So, before you go on the attack like some internet gangster, think first about who the Moron really is.

My opinion of Grimes stands. My opinion of the Falcons management remains the same. For further clarification on that, I acknowledge they have lifted the franchise to another level (at least in the regular season). I just question if anyone can really agree on who the last impactful acquisition was. Maybe you’re having the same problem since your post was void of any reasonable response given the child-like response.

Lastly, for the record, I can see the same Falcons you may or may not see in person at the home games on any of my 50+ inch HD TV’s the same as you do….maybe even better.

Gwinnett Fred

March 2nd, 2012
2:52 pm

What’s depressing is the amount of time, effort and money JUST TO GET US BACK TO WHERE WE WERE AT THE END OF THE SEASON!

It’s obvious that the Falcons are not a serious Super Bowl contender with the roster of 2011, so after we lose some of those guys, anybody really think with the lack of a #1 pick and not much cap space we can improve?

Color me skeptical!

JSS

March 2nd, 2012
2:54 pm

All that name calling and you still don’t get that Grimes wins even by losing time in a holdout? The Falcons did not tie him up in an extension before he hit his contract year, they rolled the dice, and they came up snake eyes. When someone like Standford Routts (he’s not a top 15 corner) signs the deal, then they let other teams set the floor for what the mark

will

March 2nd, 2012
2:54 pm

My grandmother has better cover skills than Grimes. Please let him go. The Packers and everyone else hope you keep him. He is a great asset to opposing QBs. A rookie corner will serve you better.

Cornerback Smurf

March 2nd, 2012
2:55 pm

dealing with the True Falcon Moron, I almost forgot to acknowledge Fred McMurray for the “My Three Sons” best comment about the smurf….lol

Sam

March 2nd, 2012
3:00 pm

So what happens if he doesn’t sign?

Tell it like it is

March 2nd, 2012
3:02 pm

If this year is any indacation of the Falcons previous moves in the past,we will sign all of our free agents,and be no better than we were,and maybe even worst.And then the coach and gm will get fired,and we’ll do it allover again.its the Falcons way!

robertussen

March 2nd, 2012
3:04 pm

grimes is worth every penny, he’s the best cb we’ve had since sanders

bird in hand

March 2nd, 2012
3:05 pm

sign it you greedy runt

JSS

March 2nd, 2012
3:06 pm

For what the market will be the position… Do you even understand the parameters (or the consequences) of what is implied when you get hit with the “franchise tag?” You are by default in essence calling that player one of the “top five” players at that position. And if that is the rational for one season, then they deserve in essence to be paid top 5 money long term… That is the NFL, deal with it or keep making a fool of yourself… Go look at the closing title on Chapplle Show, ain’t scared of you one bit!

come home Champ B.

March 2nd, 2012
3:08 pm

The whole league is hurting for DB’s if this is the “best”….good, adequate, yes. Superstar DB? No

JSS

March 2nd, 2012
3:13 pm

Look, Grimes was a bargain for a long, long, long time… Now like your typical interest only mortgage has just met its balloon payment scenario!

True Falcon Fan

March 2nd, 2012
3:14 pm

Cornerback Smurf
March 2nd, 2012
2:27 pm

This is UNBELIEVABLE!! This management regime is starting to smell like the days of old. I can think of 10 million better players to spend money on than the Cornerback Smurf Grimes!! I’m almost ready to burn all my Falcons gear, memorabilia, etc….

Quick, can someone tell me the last player personnel move the Falcons made that makes sense (or at least agreeable to 3/4 of the fan base)??

Just a copy paste for you to read you own BS A-gain —- my point and probably now knowing you are not even a Falcon fan, why would you waste your time, this blog is for Atlanta Falcon fans! By i have a bigger screen than you “teeniebopper” plus i may have the best seats in the doom, i’m satisfied too.

Do us all a favor please stay in California – moron!

LOL

True Falcon Fan

March 2nd, 2012
3:15 pm

3:13 i concur!

Old Boy

March 2nd, 2012
3:19 pm

Why is Grimes not signing the tag? Does his agent think he can get more money on the open market? I love Grimes, but I don’t see too many teams lining up to make him the highest paid DB in the league.

Fred Macmurray

March 2nd, 2012
3:23 pm

Cant blame the little fellow,, he’s not getting any younger and like you said JSS he has been a bargain. Time to pay the Fiddler or move on….. personally i dont think he’s worth that kind of money,, it would be better spent on some stud linemen….

Old Boy

March 2nd, 2012
3:26 pm

Grimes has that ‘every man’ appeal because he is a midget from a no-name school who has proven he can hang with the big boys. He is a great corner, but a big part of his star stature is based upon his ‘David in a land of Goliaths’ appeal. If he gets caught up in a prolonged contract dispute, he will lose a lot of that appeal.

Ron the Man

March 2nd, 2012
3:31 pm

Brent Grimes is a very gifted athelete and he his play does stack up with the best corners in the league. All fans must know by now that TD does not make these decisions without huge input on what if we don;t spend the 10.2 million. Will some other team pay Brent that kind of money? The answer must have come back that many teams would pay him that much or more if he was the top rated corner in free agency. I love his humility and the total effort he gives on the field, and how he has progressed to be able to cover with the best corners. Good to see him get the payday he deserves. Keep up the good work TD and Smitty. Go Falcons1111

Mike Franklin

March 2nd, 2012
3:31 pm

This really just makes me ill… Grimey just became grimey.

Frankie

March 2nd, 2012
3:32 pm

If he signs the tag, he can not get a long term deal on the open market and in this market it is all abuot guaranteed money..

YOu pay me 10 million this upcoming season, when I can sign a 50 millon deal like D. Hall, and D robinson…with mofe than 25 Milion guaranteed, so if i get hurt next season, I get my 25 millin regardless if i cant play or not. the 10 million i am not sure if it is guaranteed or not…rules contiinue to be cloudy…
that isjus my 2 cents…

Frankie

March 2nd, 2012
3:35 pm

yeah it is guarantted , but is 10 million enough for him to accept..or 25 million

Don't Overplay Your Hand

March 2nd, 2012
3:41 pm

Grimes is delusional if he thinks anyone is going to pay him the kind of money he is looking for when he really has only had 1 good season.

Cornerback Smurf

March 2nd, 2012
3:47 pm

@True Falcon Moron – Best seats in the house, huh?? Yeah, sure, more internet gangster jibberish. My TV is better than yours, blah blah blah, who cares?? I guess next thing you know you’ll be stating how your Johnson is the size of the Peachtree Plaza. So again, before you start blabbering about stuff you don’t know about. I was born and raised in the ATL, so no matter where I am in this WORLD (yes, I have not been limited by boundaries of the USA), I am a diehard Atlanta sports franchise fan.
And, for the record, my opinion still stands. Grimes is not worth $10M and the Falcons management hasn’t made any significant moves lately. So why don’t you just do yourself a favor and shut your piehole, MORON!

PMC

March 2nd, 2012
3:59 pm

JSS, that’s a great analogy. Brent Grimes as an adjustable rate mortgage.

unfortunately, the Falcons as home owners, were unable to satisfactorally refinance, or find a new place to live before the rate adjustment.

Augusta bred

March 2nd, 2012
4:00 pm

Ok guys, to say that Grimes is not a top 5 corner in the NFL is just plain crazy! You know why he his interceptions went down last season, because teams found out in 2010 that he will make you pay dearly for trowing his way! He should have been paid then! But they go get D-ROb who got beat repeatedly. Every PAID analyst will point out that GRIMES is one of the best corner’s in the league period! He shut down Megatron for pete sake! Yes he made a great td catch that was covered perfectly but that happens. And yes other teams want Grimes and i hope we keep him!

Don't Overplay Your Hand

March 2nd, 2012
4:09 pm

@Augusta bred. So in your opinion Grimes is better than Revis, Champ Bailey, Charles Woodson, Asomugha, Johnathan Joseph, Leon Hall, Asante Samuel? No he’s not. Not even close. So no he does not deserve to get paid like they do.

True Falcon Fan

March 2nd, 2012
4:14 pm

3:47 —- your id is simple & my guess is very enlightening definition of the writer!

Little people have little minds, little thoughts, little hands & fingers… You jus can’t stand to be NOT heard, you got the final word, i made my point for sure and you bit hook line & sinker.

Good Bye “little papa smurf”!

PMC

March 2nd, 2012
4:37 pm

In fairness Grimes dropped between 3 and 5 interceptions last year. The year before was more exceptional, but the point essentially is that he’s a playmaker for the most part.

13 picks and a boatload of passes defended in the last few years have made him a very desirable player. His size and measurables are the only things that have ever held him back.

PMC

March 2nd, 2012
4:39 pm

He was within a few bad drops from putting up back to back 6 interception seasons and he was thrown at much less last year.

PMC

March 2nd, 2012
4:39 pm

Ultimately this was bungled a bit, because it could have been handled last season.

Tell it like it is

March 2nd, 2012
4:45 pm

If the Falcons give in to Grimes,it means they are not serious about winning a Superbowl.Thier just —p———- in the wind,and i hope it comes back and hits them in the face!

Die Hard Falcon

March 2nd, 2012
4:52 pm

Looks like the aints are getting called out for the cheap, dirty players they are.

falconsrus

March 2nd, 2012
4:52 pm

Saints maintained “Bounty”program in NFL last three years Gotcha seen et al

falconsrus

March 2nd, 2012
4:54 pm

Heads gonna roll in NOLA les et bons temps roullie

G

March 2nd, 2012
5:00 pm

Grimes has made more plays that Matt Ryan. Defense did its part in the playoffs.

Tommy

March 2nd, 2012
5:01 pm

Wish we had waited another 48 hours. . Grimes may not be as important since the Saints are about to get effectively disbanded. Bounty programs are a capital offense in the NFL. No wonder Brees hasn’t signed yet. He knew what was coming and now has an excuse to get out of town.

JSS

March 2nd, 2012
5:18 pm

“Bounties?” And they still couldn’t stop anybody besides Matt Ryan (even that’s been a stretch)! Man, he (Williams) should have tried Mexican Riviera vacations!

WTF???

March 2nd, 2012
5:19 pm

Great tag the shrimp and let Lofton, our defenses QB, go. Why should we expect anything different? I swear the Falcons are cursed. I hope the 5 ft nothin’ doesn’t sign the tender maybe we can trade him for a 6th or 7th rounder because folks thats all he’s worth. He played well in the zone but with Nolan wanting to go to man he’s gonna get torched. Mark my words!

CoachLockDown

March 2nd, 2012
5:30 pm

In a nutshell…He’s a good man/man corner if he’s not up against a big wr, but if the Falcons can’t apply more pressure with 4 man rushes, then it really doesn’t matter who you have back there covering…because you’re gonna have to bring an extra rusher which will means man/man matchups, and Grimes matched up against bigger wr’s is not favorable, he plays best when he can sit in the zone and drive with an excellent trigger for the QB’s delivery key. The Falcons must find more pressure without vacating zones or man coverage because they don’t have the LB’s or Safeties to sustain coverage, and the other corner(D. Robinson) is average at best in man/man.

D. Orlando Ledbetter

March 2nd, 2012
5:36 pm

Old Boy — Grimes has essentially been year-to-year since coming out. He wants a little security, not another year – make good — deal.

RUDEDAWG

March 2nd, 2012
5:36 pm

This is soooooo funny! Tag lil Grimes,this cat is a 3rd corner at best on any real defense. Let the shrimp go! LOL!

D. Orlando Ledbetter

March 2nd, 2012
5:37 pm

JSS — Nice analogy on the ballon payment scenario.

D. Orlando Ledbetter

March 2nd, 2012
5:38 pm

Sam – I think that’s called a holdout!

jbo

March 2nd, 2012
5:42 pm

Let him walk

Delbert D.

March 2nd, 2012
6:07 pm

What’s the salary history of 5′10″ cornerbacks?

bobby

March 2nd, 2012
6:15 pm

GRIMES IS A GOOD CORNERBACK AND I HOPE HE RESIGNS HERE BUT IF HE DOES’NT, WITH THE FRANCHISE TAG THE FALCONS WILL GET SOMETHING FOR HIM.

DC

March 2nd, 2012
6:20 pm

How can any FALCON fans be happy with this terribly UNDER SIZED corner??? These must be the same people happy with DUNTA ROBINSON one of the worst coners we have ever signed behind D HALL!!!!!!! We need a SAFETY (DECOUD IS AWEFUL!), we need OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (You cant get rid of Baker, he still has some life left) and we need a SLOT RECEIVER (If Harry D. doesnt come back go after Hines Ward for a year or two). Terrible decision to have a tag put on Grimes!!!! Just like an even worse decision to pay Dunta as much money as we have for absolutely NO RESULTS!!!

DC

March 2nd, 2012
6:23 pm

The worst interception he dropped was at DETROIT when Stafford lobbed up a fade towards the end zone and the receiver quit on the route leaving GRIMES wide open to catch a floater…. He dropped it!!!! YEAH, GOOD CALL ON THE TAG DIMITRIOFF!!!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

dirty 4 life

March 2nd, 2012
6:27 pm

You already overpaid for one corner. Spending 10 mil on a corner whos 5′9= not a good move.

AlanFalcon

March 2nd, 2012
6:29 pm

Tree Rollins, the sky is falling.

DEE-ROME

March 2nd, 2012
6:30 pm

I dont know what CB yall been watching over the last couple of years,but I think Grimes is the best corner the Falcons have and he deserves his payday because he has more than out played his rookie contract……ARE YALL FANS OR WHAT….lol

DC

March 2nd, 2012
6:34 pm

Dee Rome come on man! On a solid defense which Atlanta hasnt had in quite sometime Grimes wouldn’t be in the top two or three! This guy is TINY! He can’t tackle, his hands are like bricks, and the only thing he can do well is JUMP! He is not worth 10 MIL!

Cornerback Smurf

March 2nd, 2012
6:39 pm

DLed – please put up a poll asking if Grimes is worth $10M. Yes or No….no maybe’s or anything in between…..PLEASE!!

Go ahead and mark my vote down first as a NO!!

RUSERIOUS

March 2nd, 2012
6:57 pm

$10M…..you have got to be kidding me.

marko

March 2nd, 2012
7:00 pm

Grimes has busted his hump for the NFL version of chump change ( we all wish we were paid in NFL chump change) so lets look at this as back pay. Congrats Grimey.

Greg Mendel

March 2nd, 2012
7:03 pm

Off-topic, but the Big Easy team has been exposed as the Big Sleazy by the NFL. The Saints are about to get sacked bigtime by the Commish.

Still@theKool-aidBAR

March 2nd, 2012
7:15 pm

Slap the lil SPUD WEBB so hard his wife can’t talk for 6 months.

5150 UOAD

March 2nd, 2012
7:17 pm

His mouthy wife makes him only worth 1/3rd of what he thinks he is worth.

A complete Blank

March 2nd, 2012
7:19 pm

6-10… Swept by Carolina and New Orleans… Split home and home with Tampa

Najeh Davenpoop

March 2nd, 2012
7:27 pm

I’d rather play dirty and get a ring than lose every playoff game. Just saying. Maybe the Falcons should put a bounty on scoring more than 2 points in the playoffs.

Day OneFan

March 2nd, 2012
7:27 pm

You guys really need to do the math. The only one paying this bill is A. Blank. F-tag players do not count against the cap.This deal alone frees up 2.5M of cap space. Genious move.

JSS

March 2nd, 2012
7:43 pm

Delbert D.
March 2nd, 2012
6:07 pm
“What’s the salary history of 5′10″ cornerbacks?”

Ask Darrelle Revis… Seriously, he’s small too… He’s just a perfect blend of technique and athletic guile…I mean Bruce Pickens had the perfect CB body. However he had the cover skills and athletic guile a 40 year old version of Bobby Butler…

JSS

March 2nd, 2012
7:50 pm

DayOne…
This is not an “uncapped” year… Re-read your CBA franchise tag paragraphs…

CPat16

March 2nd, 2012
8:44 pm

I don’t know what to make of the tag placed on Grimes. Mayb they see him fit in the “new” defensive schemes under Nolan or just don’t have alot to choose from in the FA pool. I still think D Franks is better suited in the bump-n-run coverage. Let Grimes walk to test free agency & I he can’t find a suitor, he’ll have no choice to sign the franchise tender.

Let Turner go & get draft picks. Give ball to Snelling bc he’s faster, more shifty & plays fire compared to Turner. Make Rodgers ur change of pace back & get anothing “bowling ball” RB in the draft. Use the extra picks from Turner trade to stock up on OL & DL. Let Lofton walk bc he’s not a 3 down backer. Make Dent ur start at MLB & have Wire back him up. Let Abe walk & go get Super Mario to b your stellar DE. Carl Nicks might b available so signing him would b great. All the money we’ll b saving by letting Abe, Lofton & mayb Grimes walk would give us two anchors in Super Mario & Carl Nicks. But what do I know, I’m just an arm chair GM.

rainman

March 2nd, 2012
9:36 pm

1. I hope I can assume that the Falcons have an above average
plan put together by now that incorporates all the major
facets of what our team will look like next year and going
forward (i.e. cap analysis, allocation and cash , filling
holes and weaknesses with quality players , having an
excellent knowledge of All FA’s value on the market and their
value to our team , etc.).

2. Grimes is a tough situation – and a risk either way. I hate
to lose him for no return and I agree that he is not worth
over 10 mil. for one season. However, CB is a weakness of
ours and it could be worth wasting 4 mil. over his value to
solidify that position wile Nolan gets a handle on the D.
If I had a vote on Mario Williams for 10 or Grimes for 10, I
would take Mario. But the question is what is Grimes worth
for a 4 year deal or Williams for a 5 year deal? I am
uncomfortable with the rumor that Grimes could have played
in the playoff game & didn’t want to risk his big payday.

3. Abe is likely gone. I just can’t see the Falcons paying him
what he thinks he is worth, or even what some other team
would probably offer him. Love ya Abe, and am sorry those
sorry refs didn’t call it more when you would constantly
have to deal with all those ‘choke holds’.

4. Lofton and Harry Douglas are players that make our team
better, but I’m just not sure how much we should spend on
them. I sure hope TD knows!

5. Last comment — with our limited draft, I hope and pray that
Arthur and TD will spend the max. available and make the best
talent evaluations possible regarding the free agency
aquisitions that this team must make in order to contend.

Loserville USA

March 2nd, 2012
9:56 pm

GREAT – $10 million to see Jimmy Graham further embarrass the guy.

Great athlete — great story — too much money.

D. Orlando Ledbetter

March 2nd, 2012
10:54 pm

Cornerback Smurf — Good idea. I will try to explain both sides in a coming blog. Have to get the help desk guys to fix my poll setting thingy.

Ichabod

March 2nd, 2012
11:40 pm

Interesting that TD was confident enough with his conversations with agent Dogra to announce the tag. But they forgot to check with the Mrs.

Falcon Fan 24-7

March 3rd, 2012
12:27 am

Where was GrImes when we got beat by the Giants in the Playoffs?

Grimey is injury prone

March 3rd, 2012
12:44 am

I am a season ticket holder, and I do not wish to pick up the tab on this outrageous amount of money.

christophorm

March 3rd, 2012
1:12 am

Nobody on that terrible defense should be Tag geesh.

Michael Turner Babies Mamma

March 3rd, 2012
1:24 am

“This is what’s sad! Here’s Michael turner around Xmas hanging with other people kids but didn’t see his 1 yr [old] daughter. Michael Turner daughter, my cutie.. Let’s pray he decide to see her one day this year. I know people say why tell twitter your problems and I say because it’s my got dang it page and tired of my daughter asking for her dad who haven’t seen her this year and haven’t even called to see how she is. Trifling N**ros!

“I can tell you better than she can. He going around lying about being single and making kids saying he only has 2. I have a daughter that he don’t see. I hate [that] I am in this situation! He said he had only 2 kids I didn’t find out about more until I had her. That’s so sad it pisses me off to see him doing Rooms To Go [commercials] around Xmas and he haven’t seen his own kid. I am always trying to tell him treat your kids right they didn’t ask to be here. I just want him to be a better dad. I use to say that to him how you being phony on these commercials you’re don’t even see your own kids. I was always trying to get him to let them meet but I guess he couldnt keep count on how many he [has]. I asked him why my daughter haven’t met her grandmother because my mother is deceased. This fool said he can’t tell her. I just wanted her to meet his mother but he pretends to his family like the only kids he has is with the Mexican.

That’s why I am hard working, never quit my job, making my own flow so no matter what he do we good. It’s cool I knew his situation he created would soon come to light just didn’t think it would be that kind of drama. I wasn’t going to play with him,once i found out about more kids I had to get her stuff in order. He goes around saying he is single until he create a baby then he run. I think we all just need to pray for him because I clearly think he has a problem.”

No matter what he does, he is still her dad and I try to say good thing. I,have his pic up in her room so she can look back when she is older and just see the good. Thanks to everyone for being positive in this negative situation. We can just all know everything isn’t always what it appears to be. If we want good things to happen we have to do good things right and be there for our kids. Make better choices because Karma is a B.

Ok, let’s run the numbers one more time. We are now up to an alleged 5 baby’s mamas and 7 kids. His contract, 6 years/$ 34million. Remember NFL contracts aren’t guaranteed. Think of T.O. and all his court dates and requests to have child support reduced or restructured. Think Allen Iverson, reportedly broke and hiding money from his ex-WIFE.

Michael "Deadbeat Dad "Turner

March 3rd, 2012
1:29 am

TD, cut Michael Turner and cut your losses.

J-Lo

March 3rd, 2012
2:31 am

I don’t care how he is ranked by these fu’s. Clabo is definitely expandable. The whole OFF line is. The only reason they get ranked in any dimension is Turner. And Turner is on the decline. Time to let all of them go. I love the falcons, and that is why I express these opinions. Go Falcons!

Z-ro

March 3rd, 2012
2:34 am

Enter your comments here

Z-ro

March 3rd, 2012
2:37 am

the fact that we think Brent Grimes is a good corner shows just how weak our secondary is… Brent grimes plays decent man coverage but he gambled and lost alot last year and all his picks come in zone coverage he doesnt just beat a receiver and take the ball away he is and always will be undersized spend that money elsewhere

[...] his agent, Ben Dogra, told the Atlanta Journal Constitution Friday that Grimes is not a lock to sign the [...]

Falcon Fan in Virginia

March 3rd, 2012
6:18 am

Your attention-getting update says Grimes doesn’t plan to sign franchise tag. Not sure about next steps and intent. Not sign and negotiate a long term deal? Not sign and sit out the season? Question has to be what next. Can you work with us here on an answer?

bobz

March 3rd, 2012
6:31 am

omg these grimes haters kill me! people talk about his size look at the game when he played calvin j. look at the game vs the eagles and early games in the season they didnt even through his way. scouts and experts say grimes is a top corner not just are organization.

Soulman

March 3rd, 2012
7:45 am

What happens if he dosn´t sign ?

WalterEgo

March 3rd, 2012
8:38 am

“The way he’s picked up our system”?!?!?! Hello? Mr GM, Didn’t we just hire a defensive coordinator with a new system? A system that doesn’t highlight the zone secondary coverage? I have officially lost confidence in this front office. Too much for Grimes. To much spent on a smallish corner. To much spent at the overall corner positions with too little returned. We have two #2 corners making #1 corner money, one of them franchised. Too many bust draft picks. Ugh.

Nativebird

March 3rd, 2012
9:10 am

Don’t sign Bierman!!! This guy MIGHT make a practice squad on any other team in the NFL. The most over-rated DE in the league. Go back to reality TV Bierman with yout Atlanta – non wife drama….better yet….go start, “Real Housewives of Montana”. But please, do it for some other unsuspecting team.

Mountain Man

March 3rd, 2012
9:29 am

Brent Grimes is a nice athlete. But the fact that we are putting a franchise tag on him shows the lack of depth of our franchise, epically on the defensive side of the ball. He’s a nickel corner on any other team in this league.

jalex49

March 3rd, 2012
9:30 am

Just make good and solid decisions. It’s clear what Mr. Blanks expectation are considering what was said in the interview. I applaud Mr. Blank for his patience and believe that Thomas, Smitty will make prudent and solid decisions that wil lead the team to the next level.

I hope Grimes, Lofton, Abraham , Lofton and others that are solid contributors stay but those that really don’t and those that don’t have the skill set to be competitive with the starters of the top tier teams must go!

Falcon James

March 3rd, 2012
9:30 am

Is Grimes asking to be traded or is he just holding out for more money? He probably want to be paid more than Dunta since he is head over heals better than Dunta.

Saints are dirty

March 3rd, 2012
10:00 am

Man oh man, greed sure has a way of people forgetting where they came from and who took a chance on them.

Sid

March 3rd, 2012
10:21 am

DOL, do we know any level of interest in Grimes with other NFL teams? I assume there are some who would shy away from him because of his size.

Double Zero Eight

March 3rd, 2012
10:44 am

He is not an “elite corner”. He is a good player,
not a great player. It is a business and I don’t
blame Grimes for attempting to get every penny
that he can. It’s up to TD to spend Blank’s money
wisely.

I think Grimes lack of size will will make him
a risk for being injury prone. He is no
“spring chicken”.

If the Falcons do not get a sustainable pass rush,
it’s really not going to matter that much whether
or not he is in the backfield.

Waiting_for_March15

March 3rd, 2012
11:32 am

I heard that franchise tag can be removed whenever team wants it.. May be TD is playing hard ball with Grimes since He wants so much money….

If I remember that 49ers did this one of their player after the draft.. They tagged him and removed the tag after the draft…..it dropped his market right away.

Anyone?

St Simons - we're on Island time

March 3rd, 2012
11:34 am

he’s too small for nickel, and a 6′4 receiver that can jump even a little bit
can catch 10 TDs a game in the corner over his head. He’s a specialty
player, not a feature playa. sorry, but das da trufe.

fred

March 3rd, 2012
11:51 am

Get a reel QB. One that not afraid to get hit,let Ryan go!

[...] to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constituion, cornerback Brent Grimes doesn’t plan on signing his franchise [...]

Ichabod

March 3rd, 2012
2:00 pm

Article by Jarrett Bell in USA Today: “In most cases,being a franchise player doesn’t pay like it used to. A new formula for computing the worth of franchise tags in the NFL, revised as part of the collect-ive bargaining agreement struck last summer, is in play for the first time as a Monday deadline looms for teams to designate which player they will keep off the FA market that opens March 13. Under the old formula, the franchise tag tender was based on the average of the top five salaries at a given position. Now the methodology begins with the value of the tags over the last five years and weighs in with a % of the salary cap.
That was illustrated in a practical sense Thurs when the Phil Eagles tagged WR DeSean Jackson with a tender projected at $9.6 M – nearly $2M lower than last year’s wide receiver figure.
It’s a new reason for players to loathe the tag {he writes}.
‘What hasn’t changed is that you’re still trying to get your guys signed to long-term deals to avoid the tag.’ agent Brian Mackler says.”
“Houston Texans linebacker Mario Williams, whose franchise number of $22M would dwarf the LB tender ($8.8M) because the stipulation remains that a tender must pay 120% of a player’s previous salary if it is greater than the franchise number. Williams earned $18.3M in 2011.”

Flo=Ri-Duh

March 3rd, 2012
2:44 pm

Keep Lofton and trade the rest. This is a rebuilding year.

jerry

March 3rd, 2012
4:05 pm

I would prefer to have 2 good pass rushing de’s and 2 average corners than to have 2 average de’s and 2 good corners. Without a pass rush, Grimes will be average. In the NFL, pass rush has got to be the #1 priority.

PlanB

March 3rd, 2012
4:40 pm

I’m confused. I tried reading about franchised players (exclusive & non-exclusive). Can the player not accept the franchise tag for exclusive. Does a team get 2 number 1 picks on a non-exclusive if another team picks the franchised player? How much does a franchised players salery count against the cap?
Whoever knows these things, please explain and anything else about this. Ichabod seemed to know some things.
Do we know if Grimes is exclusive or non?

PlanB

March 3rd, 2012
4:48 pm

I also don’t understand how any of you can’t understand how important good CB’s are to our team who need to put most of our drafts and FA’s on the OL. I don’t see us having a better pass rush than we did last year, maybe without JA55. I hope I’m wrong but not counting on it.

JSS

March 3rd, 2012
5:45 pm

Ichabod…
Look at the percentage of the top 5 CBs over the last five seasons. CB and QB are the two groups that will be higher pct wise regardless of the new CBA… And 2010 was an uncapped season… It one reason why a team like Pittsburgh is jettisoning salaries…

Runner-

March 3rd, 2012
6:12 pm

Who the hell does he think he is?? LET HIM WALK, HE’S NOT EVEN THAT GOOD

Big Ray

March 3rd, 2012
6:49 pm

I’d rather play dirty and get a ring than lose every playoff game. Just saying. Maybe the Falcons should put a bounty on scoring more than 2 points in the playoffs.

Heh. Well it seems that strategy only worked once (not against Seattle in 2010 or San Fran in 2011), but after you see the penalties Goodell puts down, you’d be stupid not to think twice about that.

What’s the matter, Atlanta’s best sports franchise got ya down lately? :twisted:

Vince Doodly

March 3rd, 2012
10:01 pm

Between him and Robinson, thats a lot of money to be spent on an average secondary (at best.) Grimes is good. he is not Great. The falcons way, way overpaid for Dunta. Now they are going to have to give Grimes similar money, which is going to Jack up the rest of the free agent resignings and all of the possible free agents we need at other positions.

JSS

March 3rd, 2012
10:26 pm

@ Big Ray…
You should crack on the Hawks more often, they seem to win then! ;-p ;-)

Ichabod

March 4th, 2012
12:00 am

Interesting reading about BountyGate or SaintGate. I hope the Saint bloggers clear it up for us. I see where Brees was given an exclusive tag, meaning he is not free to talk to other teams, but I gather he has not signed it, even at 15M. Things look like they are getting a little unglued in whodat land.

JSS

March 4th, 2012
1:02 am

Ichabod…
Everybody is in the same boat amongst the playoff teams adding Indy because of the ramifications of 2010 uncapped year. The Saints are hoping they get to accept something below 17.5-to-19 (15 is optimum) because get them money to make a real push at Nicks and maybe franchise Colston if Smith renegotiates his deal…

The deal with if the league takes away a pick from them as a second offender has a ramification… I mean, they could be in the shape of the Steelers… Let’s be honest…

will

March 4th, 2012
2:03 am

!st off WTF HE WONT TAKE IT?????????????????
Im tired of this Mario Williams talk, face it people hes more likely to get hurt then abs… In the last 2 abs has missed less games!!! with that being said i think they could let Mr. 5-9 go and pick up a bigger cheaper CB in Brandon Carr I POSTED THIS ON THE BEERMEN POST AND AM SO PISSED THERE WILLING TO GIVE HIM 10MILL THIS SEASON WHICH WILL PRETTY MUCH COST US THE CHEAP AND VERY GOOD PICK UPS IM LISTING WHICH I STUDYED AND ADDED WHAT PEOPLE THOUGHT THES GUYS WHERE WORTH AND MADE ONE HELL OF A LIST OF PLAYS THEY COULD HAVE ADDED AND WE WOULD REALLY BE A SUPER BOWL TEAM PLEASE SOMEONE HAVE THE BALLS TO READ THIS AND COMMENT ON MY PICKS AND HOW MY MIND WORKS I NEED FEED BACK IF THERES ANY SMART FANS OUT THERE LOOK THESE PLAYES UP AND TELL ME IM WRONG!!!, 1st Jared Gaither is the best young LT free or maybe you could go a little cheaper and pick up Demetrius Bell bring back lofton or maybe go cheaper with Dan Connor who filled in pretty well for Beason, and if we get rid of one ex SD back why not pick up Mike Tolbert who is a younger and at this point quicker power back then Mr. Baby Momma those are some great and pretty cheap pick us to me.

Najeh Davenpoop

March 4th, 2012
2:33 am

“What’s the matter, Atlanta’s best sports franchise got ya down lately?”

Haha… after beating the best team in the league tonight minus both All-Stars, I’m feeling pretty good about them right now.

E

March 4th, 2012
2:58 am

Not worth that kind of money because he is not a GAME CHANGER. I hope they do not make the same mistake made with Dunta Robinson. I will say it again he is not a GAME CHANGER.

[...] he is not happy with the franchise’s move. According to his agent, Ben Dogra, the cornerback does not plan to sign the franchise tag from the Atlanta Falcons. “We have no plans to sign the tag at this time. We [...]

Falco peregrino

March 4th, 2012
8:04 am

The Falcons need him badly.

Saints R.E.A.M.

March 4th, 2012
9:02 am

Grimes is still undersized ….that’s a lot of money for Mighty Mouse.

Wookie Ninja

March 4th, 2012
9:25 am

jenn

March 4th, 2012
11:08 am

Grimes is a great player but I would let him walk. These games the players and agents play are tiring.

FAlcons24

March 4th, 2012
11:16 am

This Brent Grimes debacle is very disturbing. He was an undrafted free agent that Atlanta took a chance on out of Shippenburg. No one get a chance from that school. He turned his nose up at 2.61M last year and now he is not going to sign the franchise tag. Let’s look at this: You are about to turn 29 and an average corner at best. It is hard for you to cover big receivers. You cannot match up man-to-man, because you are getting muscled around, due to size. You are great at the nickel in the slot, because of your jumping ability. Granted you made the pro bowl the year before last as an alternate, due to Aquib Talib being hurt. Last year the same thing with Charles Woodson. I am just trying to figure out what in the world make you think that you are a big time corner in this league. Everyone is comparing you to Dunta Robinson numbers, but that is unfair to Dunta. Brian Van Gorder had D-Rob in a uncomfortable zone defense and never in press man coverage. That is all he played in Houston and that is why he is so physical. He will be much better in Mike Nolan’s system. Brent tested the market last year and no one came kicking down the door. You are not the prototypical corner and stay in your lane and be greatful that Atlanta took a chance on you. Reports indicated that you could have played against the Giants in the playoffs and refused to do so. Why would they sign you to a long term deal after that. Brent go ahead and refuse to sign the franchise tag and sit out until week 10. Dominique Franks and Chris Owens will be much better fits this season anyway. If he does not want to be there or feel he deserves a top corner contract, let him get the hell out of Atlanta. We want players in Atlanta who want to be here. Dimitroff, it is obvious he have other plans. Let him go get beat somewhere else. As soon as he get a big contract and get torched all season long, he will regret not staying in the ATL.

Reggie

March 4th, 2012
11:24 am

If Grimes doesnt want to sign then the Falcons should put the money elsewhere…like on the D line, O line and let Grimes walk right under the door….

Sid

March 4th, 2012
1:19 pm

If he signs with another team we get 2 1st Round draft choices.

JSS

March 4th, 2012
2:16 pm

“No one get a chance from that school. He turned his nose up at 2.61M last year and now he is not going to sign the franchise tag.”

Come on… John Kunz, Grimes, Ron Johnson, and Rob Davis all went to Ship State and played in the NFL… Johnson played for 10 seasons…

Grimes played for NFL chump change while he developing. Stop acting like he was Chris Houston or Owens making high draft money back then. Instead of you guys being thankful that at least one DB develop (when compared to the multitude of DB failures that came through here)… This is the system must people want, prove you can play, then you get paid… I respect that more than the reverse…

tom

March 4th, 2012
4:58 pm

I am hoping for Grimes to be in a different uniform next season. For the GM to say he can cover all receivers big or small I say what games have you been watching. He has been burned by tall receivers more than is acceptable. Don’t waste your money. Let him go.

Diggity

March 4th, 2012
5:52 pm

Just let him walk. He is more of a distraction than anything. Not a team player.

Bojack

March 4th, 2012
6:30 pm

I understand Grimes does not want to sign the tag of 10 million. I think we need to check him for a concussion.

Sid

March 4th, 2012
8:20 pm

I think he is smart to ask for a long(er) term contract…………..he might even go less per year for the extension.

cwltank

March 5th, 2012
2:57 am

Falcons overpaid for at least 3 players the last 5 years. Although, Grimes is by far the best corner we have, he not the top 5 corner in the league. More like top 12, if you ask me. With that being said, he has played for peanuts, so I am not upset & I agree he deserves a long term deal. If he signs great, but holding out only hurts him. I am more concerned with Ovie, Robinson, & Babs large contracts. They are average players making big boy money. If we can cut 2 out of 3 of those contracts we can sign Mario. That would give the Falcons the edge to make it past the 1st rd.

[...] and he is not happy with the franchise’s move. According to his agent, Ben Dogra, the cornerback does not plan to sign the franchise tag from the Atlanta Falcons. “We have no plans to sign the tag at this time. We [...]

tfalcon

March 5th, 2012
8:50 am

Boy that 10 mil has fans pisst,but lets not jump to any conclutions @ this time let it play out I dont think he is worth that much money would much rather see our funds go to the DL & OL.Just maybe TD has got a plan for these actions,guys him and MS seat is going to start getting real out after this yr,remember that their are no sacred cows thats what was said so lets just see what happens the next couple of monthes
who knows maybe they have a few surprises

Frankie

March 5th, 2012
10:58 am

he will negotiate a deal for the next 5 years for 50 million…mostly back loaded with a 25 Million guarrantee and 6-7 million per year with signing bonuses…
What they need to do is renegotiate dunta robinsons contract and reduce his yearly pay to match his inredibly sorry output last year and before.

[...] Yes, after Thomas Dimitroff appeared on 790 The Zone and announced that the Falcons were planning on using the $10.6M franchise tag on the team’s top corner, Grimes’ agent Ben Dogra fired right back and said the following: [...]

DREWSTER

March 7th, 2012
5:14 pm

UHH DOSE ANYBODY REMEMBER THE END OF SEASON INJURY.. NOT SURE HE’S WORTH THE MONE BEING UN PROVEN AFTER SAID INJURY!!