Falcons agree to terms with running back Jason Snelling
Atlanta Falcons running back Jason Snelling (44) runs into the end zone past Arizona Cardinals safety Rashad Johnson for the first of two touchdowns during 2nd quarter action for a 17-7 lead at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010. (Curtis Compton/Ccompton@ajc.com)
Running back Jason Snelling, who tested the free agency waters last season before returning to the Falcons, agreed to terms with the team on a three-year, $4 million contract Thursday.
Snelling, 5-11, 234 pounds, was originally selected by the Falcons in the seventh round (244th overall) of the 2007 NFL draft.
Last season, Snelling rushed for 151 yards on 44 carries. He also added 26 receptions for 179 yards and one touchdown.
In five seasons with the Falcons, Snelling has totaled 1,192 yards on 300 carries with seven touchdowns while adding 107 catches for 827 yards and five touchdowns.
Snelling is the fourth player the Falcons have re-signed or tagged in order to keep them from becoming free agents on Tuesday.
The Falcons placed the franchise tag on cornerback Brent Grimes on Monday.
Starting free safety Thomas DeCoud signed a five-year, $21 million contract, tight end Michael Palmer and running back Antone Smith signed their exclusive rights contracts on Tuesday. On Wednesday, defensive end Kroy Biermann signed a three-year, $12 million contract.
Negotiations with defensive end John Abraham, the team’s sack leader, are in a holding pattern. Negotiations with middle linebacker Curtis Lofton, the team’s leading tackler, were termed “amicable,” but no deal has been reached.
Here are the rest of the Falcons’ prospective free agents: offensive tackle Kirk Chambers, wide receiver Harry Douglas, cornerback Kelvin Hayden, tight end Reggie Kelly, center Todd McClure, linebacker Mike Peterson, quarterback Chris Redman, offensive guard/center Brett Romberg, wide receiver Eric Weems and long snapper Joe Zelenka.
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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117 comments Add your comment
Marcus
March 8th, 2012
10:34 am
Interesting….. am I first?
Marcus
March 8th, 2012
10:38 am
Looks like the Falcons also have a “core” (shout out to Rick Sund ). I think we go D-heavy in this years draft.
Halsey
March 8th, 2012
10:39 am
Seems like the Falcons may be planning to return their RB corps from last year. Antone Smith has been re-signed too. Unless they plan on releasing Turner, it doesn’t seem likely the Falcons will pursue any free agent RBs. If they bring in a rookie, it will likely be a late round pick or undrafted free agent to compete for a roster sport.
Bubba Bean
March 8th, 2012
10:40 am
Great news! Now cut Turner and use the $$ for Mario Williams.
Jeff B
March 8th, 2012
10:43 am
Great to have Snelling back, he’s proved more than capable of picking up the slack for Turner. Hopefully they’ll rotate these guys more this season, instead of overworking Turner until he gets hurt!
DOL, let us know when you hear the contract terms.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 8th, 2012
10:46 am
Jeff — Will update.
t reeder
March 8th, 2012
10:49 am
OK GOOD!!! KEEPING TURNER WOULD COST 7MILLION AND CUTTING HIM WOULD COST 2MILLION!!!! SO CUTT HIM ALREADY AND LET GET SUPER MARIO!!!!!!!!!!
NO HARD FEELING TURNER
Mr. Mustard
March 8th, 2012
10:49 am
Interesting off season, watching Dimitroff’s decision making. With the new coaches and acknowledgement of need for change, I am encouraged and excited.
Nolan always has a good defense, and man we needed to a new scheme with ours.
Hope we sign some free agents for the offensive line, and defensive line, and with much gratitude for Abraham, he needs to go.
Michael Turner is clearly slowing down, but maybe we get one more productive year from him, as long as we mix it up with Rodgers.
Go Falcons.
the silverman
March 8th, 2012
10:49 am
Very interesting. This cant be good for Turner. I dont see why Snelling would re-sign knowing he wont get a majority of the carries unless something else is going to change. I have read the articles about them cutting down Turner’s carries but most of them talk about rodgers getting those carries.
jonathan
March 8th, 2012
10:51 am
bubba bean
are you crazy??? you do realize how many total yards turner puts up right, you do know how many TD’s, etc. sure you might see him a lot of the time get only 5 yards. but get two of those and you got a first down. Falcons use Turner way to much and need to split his carries as well.
but just watch what will happen with the line. because new coach’s will make this better. Koetter is a pro at making lines great for RB. and you might say he stunk at coaching because of the lack of yardage, etc from jags. but you have to realize he had ZERO players except for his RB.
also Williams is now injury prone. do you really want a player who starts out great at the beginning of the season and then gets hurt. Cause I know I hate it when I see Abraham do that. also for the money Williams will make that means that it will be about 1 million a sack, based on his performances. it would be over paying.
Formul8or
March 8th, 2012
10:57 am
Ovie is gone.
Snelling is going to be our hybrid fullback/runningback
Hockey Biltong
March 8th, 2012
11:01 am
Who got Ovie?
Mave2124
March 8th, 2012
11:07 am
Whoa, we need to keep Turner. His production fell off with Ovie hurt. If we need room to sign a FA (not Super Mario, but Carl Nicks!), restructure Ovie’s deal, but keep both. If we re-sign Lofton and get Nicks, I’m golden and can focus on draft needs.
mark
March 8th, 2012
11:12 am
I don’t see them keeping Ovie either Formul8or. Look for the Birds to go after Grubbs or Nicks for the Oline.
Nookah
March 8th, 2012
11:14 am
Great news to have Snelling back. I think it will be status quo on offence except for an Olineman or 2 and the emphasis will be on defense.
No need to get all worked up. March 13th draweth nigh. We’ll see TD get busy in FAgency.
DLed, why wouldn’t we make a play for Mario? He is the most disruptive Dlineman in the NFL, period. Apart from #18 he is the most valuable free agent on the market and if we are serious about winning a Superbowl soon, then this is the guy we must have. It’s no secret we have lacked a consistent pass rush over the last 4 seasons and we keep putting band aids on these “cuts” every year. Time to heal the wound and get the perfect antidote. We can dominate the division by doing this one move. This guy not only rushes the QB but he disrupts offensive possessions every time that ball is snapped.
It will cost us yes but if you don’t invest then you will be forever mediocre just like most of the rest.
Nuff respect!!
Go Falcons!!
Ron Roberts
March 8th, 2012
11:21 am
I actually wish they’d use Jason Snelling MORE than they do. As tentative as Turner is, sometimes, in wanting to inflict his will on a hole in the d-line, Jason Snelling just plows ahead. Plus, he’s got good hands for the occasional screen or short dump pass. I liken him to what Turner was behind LaDainian Tomlinson; by that, I mean a guy who could go start for someone else and do well.
Row 3
March 8th, 2012
11:24 am
Time to sign HD
Treeofwoe
March 8th, 2012
11:25 am
Gratz Big Snell you deserve it bro. Now the question is how long til we cut / trade Ovie, and do we draft a RB and let Turner go? This draft is pretty deep on running backs that can be had in 2nd and 3rd rounds. Plus can we get a pick in exchange for Turner? We just can’t keep a starting back that can’t receive coming out of the backfield anymore.
DJ Sniper
March 8th, 2012
11:26 am
Good move. I was thinking that we would go after a RB in the draft, but now that Snelling has re-upped, we probably won’t. My hope now is that Dirk Koetter uses him more than Mularkey did.
A friend with some good sources regarding the Falcons says that the team has put together a 7 year, $105 million deal for Mario Williams. $35 million guaranteed, with cap hits of $10 million this year and $11 million next season. I say go for it!
Chub Rock
March 8th, 2012
11:29 am
Michael Turner is not going anywhere so you guys may as well drop it. Coach has already said Turner WILL be back next season. When that dude on ESPN called some Falcon fans fickle he was right. Michael Turner is the best RB in the history of the Falcons organization and some of you crabs wanna throw the guy away with the trash. Some of you literally cried when Brian Finneran was not resign and this guy was not the best player at anything but Michael Turner needs to be cut. Pathetic! Jason Snelling is not a 1st string back if he was he’d be one for another team by now. Half of you know NOTHING about football you just regurgitate what you hear that you like from someone else’s posting. Michael Turner gained 1340 yards at an average of 4.5 yards a carry last season. For those of you who have never worn a jockstrap in your lives…those are darn good numbers. Michael Turner statistically was the 3rd ranked RB in the ENTIRE league last season. YES 3rd ranked RB in the league. No fan is his or her right mind and with any real knowledge of football wants to just cut the 3rd ranked RB in the league. Unless Michael Tuner ceases to be one of the top RB in the entire NFL between now and the end of next season he will finish out his contract so you may as well STFU about cutting Turner because as long as the guy is producing at a high level he will be a Falcon.
RUDEDAWG
March 8th, 2012
11:32 am
Wow! Another goof by Thomas and Co. Only way this makes since is to cut or trade Turner,which I dont see happening. The crap goes on!
Nookah
March 8th, 2012
11:34 am
If we can’t get Super Mario then Carl Nicks is a MUST!!! Protection is one thing Matt will need this year because he needs more time in that pocket rather than have it collapse around him.
Would he defect to the enemy though? I guess money makes the mare gallop!!
Go Falcons!!
Tale of Woe
March 8th, 2012
11:36 am
WOW! 3 years for 4Million. That is nothing. I would dump turner and get younger at RB. Snelling is much more versiltile than Turner at this stage in their careers. Draft another RB to fill the Turner void.
ChucktownATL
March 8th, 2012
11:39 am
4 mil for 3 years. Even if you dont want Snelling its too cheap to complain
Billy
March 8th, 2012
11:42 am
Now, let’s get Lofton re-signed!!
Falcons bring back the versatile Jason Snelling | Falcons Focus – Atlanta Falcons Blog, Opinion and Analysis
March 8th, 2012
11:47 am
[...] Orlando Ledbetter of the AJC is reporting that the Falcons have re-signed running back Jason Snelling to a three-year, $4 million [...]
David
March 8th, 2012
11:51 am
We need hogs in the trenches both ways. Sign Mario and Nicks. Should be no problem doing that, right?
waynester
March 8th, 2012
11:52 am
DLed
Was that $4 mill/year or $4 mill total?
**Frederick(Bailey)Douglass**
March 8th, 2012
11:53 am
So far, best news of the period! We need Snelling’s versatility. Credit Smitty and Dimitroff for not playing him much last year to showcase his skills. Sadly, Jason didn’t have too many other options. Now we must round out our internal signings by locking up:
Curtis Lofton
Harry Douglas
James Sanders
All else is variable. Sign a tackle (Gaither) , a guard (maybe the guy from Baltimore) and a mid-career defensive end that is trending up. Stay away from Nicks and #90 from Houston. Too much $$$. Line up and play.
FBD
DJ Sniper
March 8th, 2012
11:56 am
We don’t have the money for Williams and Nicks. Nicks wants a deal similar to the one that Jahari Evans got.
mark
March 8th, 2012
12:01 pm
Dled with all the signings do you have an any idea where this leaves us in regards to cap space? I know the 2012 number is not out yet but I keep hearing we will only have 5 to 7 million left even after the new cap number.
ASHCAN
March 8th, 2012
12:24 pm
Wow,im surprised that no one yet commented on the team resigning decoud.He was trashed and labeled super sorry by the atlanta fans.LOL
RUDEDAWG
March 8th, 2012
12:36 pm
ASHCAN; Decoud is not good, special teams and backup should be his role. Dont be suprised if Saunders ,I hope wins out at the free safety spot.
True Falcon Fan
March 8th, 2012
12:47 pm
Where are you JSS —- “Wondrous Wizard do OZ” —- ole great Merlin the prognosticator, predictor of Falcon “IMPLOSION”
Go Falcons —- Snelling great signing, very good person!
jay
March 8th, 2012
12:51 pm
@ASHCAN, there is another article for the Decoud signing and the majority of folks were upset with it and that was before the real numbers hit. At first the leaks were saying about 3 million a year now it’s apparent that we are stuck with him since he’s being paid 5 mill a year.
Kramer
March 8th, 2012
12:52 pm
Good deal, solid #2 back. Cut Turner and go get what we need on D!
loyal falcon
March 8th, 2012
1:01 pm
AMEN CHUB ROCK!
jay
March 8th, 2012
1:02 pm
So here are some very rough numbers on the cap situation
Grimes 10 mill
Decoud 4.2 mill
Biermann 4 mill
Snelling 1.33 mill
Smith ???
Palmer ???
So right now we are at least 19.5 million in for the offseason. Word going into the offseason is that we were around 20 million under the cap. Hmmmmmm……I don’t see how we can bring in Mario or Nicks without some dudes getting pink slips in the next few days.
FalconJim
March 8th, 2012
1:05 pm
Good deal!!! I’ve always liked Snelling. He’s a very durable and versatile back. Hope we can still keep Turner for another year or two…..either that, or find a cheap RB in FA, and get Turner’s replacement in one of the later rounds of the draft.
falconfan
March 8th, 2012
1:05 pm
jay- 5 years at 21 million is 4 million a year. Not so great for 2012 and 2013 but with the cap jump in 2014 this could be a steal if he keeps getting better!
jerry
March 8th, 2012
1:07 pm
I say keep Turner. He could come in handy on 4th and 1.
keepinitreal
March 8th, 2012
1:10 pm
“Michael Turner is the best RB in the history of the Falcons organization and some of you crabs wanna throw the guy away with the trash.”
Turner has had a great run with the Falcons, but the old adage is that you’d rather get rid of a running back one year early than one year too late. Turner just turned 30, which is usually the age when running backs hit the wall. Although he was still productive last year, it was clear that the same type of explosiveness through the hole that we saw Turner display in 2008 and 2009 wasn’t there anymore.
It’s not that I want to throw him away with the trash, as you say. He’s been a great Falcon. It’s just that you have to be savvy enough to recognize when a running back is going downhill. Sometimes that means making a hard decision to get rid of a guy who’s been very productive.
I hope Turner has one good year left, because he will be back in 2012, like you said. I’m just not very optimistic.
jay
March 8th, 2012
1:14 pm
As for RB, to me Snelling and Turner are the same back except Snelling can actually catch the ball. We really needed a big hitter RB based on how this offense works. The way our line opens holes is there are going to be 1-3 plays a game where the back needs to take the rock to the house. The problem with Turner is he can’t make it to the end zone without getting caught from behind. Love the guy, but we aren’t a ground and pound system anymore and he isn’t as tough as he was 3 years ago. I think they’ll use him for one more season.
falconfan
March 8th, 2012
1:17 pm
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1092941-falcons-make-another-move-s-thomas-decoud-re-signs
Here’s a good link about the Decoud signing. Cap hit this year only 1.5 million. can’t beat that for a starting free safety!
DC Dirty Bird
March 8th, 2012
1:19 pm
If Ovie can be cut, he’s likely gone. Koetter used hybrid FB/RB Greg Jones with Maurice Jones Drew and runs a lot of single back sets.
DLED,
Do you know our salary cap situation as of the latest signing?
the silverman
March 8th, 2012
1:21 pm
@jay I think those numbers will be lower based on the contracts. Most contracts in the back loaded with salary numbers and the guranteed money being paid early. Also Grimes’s salary doesnt hit the Falcons cap until/if he signs the tender which it looks like he wont.
the silverman
March 8th, 2012
1:22 pm
*Most contracts in the NFL
Fan
March 8th, 2012
1:24 pm
I think Turner is DONE in Atlanta. I also think the falcons will be trading him next month draft. This is a better back in Snelling because he can run and catch the ball. Turner cost too much for a back that has not committed himself too the falcons. Turner has ate and ate his way out of Georgia and really had gained too much weigh and this is why he cannot stay health in a season. I think is is gone
FalconFan
March 8th, 2012
1:26 pm
UPDATE: Details of the contract have leaked. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the deal as such:
Safety Thomas Decoud’s new deal with Atlanta is a 5-year, $17.5 million base package, including $4 million in guarantees money.
The Falcons get a brilliant deal here and don’t have to overspend for a starter. Fans will love seeing that Decoud will be back in Atlanta for another 5 years. Projecting that the contract is structured as such:
5 years, $17.5 million total with $4 million signing bonus pro-rated over 5 years.
2012 – $700k Base Salary, $800k pro-rated signing bonus = $1.5 million cap hit
2013 – $1.7 million Base Salary, $800k pro-rated signing bonus = $2.5 million cap hit
2014 – $3.5 million Base Salary, $800k pro-rated signing bonus = $4.3 million cap hit
2015 – $3.7 million Base Salary, $800k pro-rated signing bonus = $4.5 million cap hit
2016 – $3.9 million Base Salary, $800k pro-rated signing bonus = $4.7 million cap hit
JSS
March 8th, 2012
1:27 pm
These guys are giddy… You talk about folks being injury prone on one hand, then on the other hand sign folks who are just that, injury prone (or have sustained huge injuries)…
@Ledbetter…
Because of the broken jaw did the market for Snelling shrink? Also will his head injury (even though it was a jaw) put him in the concussion protocol?
Big Crimson 75
March 8th, 2012
1:28 pm
Abe, Loftin & HD are really the only key Players left.
If Abe’s asking price is outta site, then we should go after someone like Mark Anderson — much cheaper & a guarantee 8+ sacks a season – unlike Ray Edwards. Also, Andre Carter could be had short term to replace Abe.
Loftin is still a mystery to me. If he wants top 5 ILB $$ — bye bye!! The guy is a very good 2 down backer — that’s it!!
HD is nothing special. He’s a #3 receiver — nothing more – nothing less. We can find someone else to put up the pedestrian #’s he has produced the last 2 years.
Remember Falcon fans — with Peyton getting released yesterday — it should be noted Peyton lost his first 3 Playoff Games!!
There’s still hope for Matty Ice!!
jay
March 8th, 2012
1:30 pm
Ok I’m going to update my numbers. I guess DLED doesn’t have the right figure for Decoud at the 21 mill since that’s the only place I’ve seen that number.
Grimes 10 mill
Decoud 1.5 mill
Biermann 4 mill
Snelling 1.33 mill
Smith ???
Palmer ???
@silverman – we have to assume that he will sign it if a longterm contract is not agreed upon. Also without knowing the bonus amounts in these deals we can only assume cap hit based on length of contract and total dollars. So with the update on Deound the number drops to $16.83 mill not including Smith and Palmer’s deals.
FalconFan
March 8th, 2012
1:35 pm
@jay
Smith and Palmer deals are probably baseline minimum salary amounts. I can see them getting paid more than 1/2 million. Whatever they got paid last year will be the same or a little less. They just happy to make somebody roster.
dirty 4 life
March 8th, 2012
1:38 pm
Good. Snelling is better than fat boy Turner anyway.
Loserville USA
March 8th, 2012
1:45 pm
Good news….A Snelling/Rodgers backfield does much more, especially if we are trying to be EXPLOSIVE.
And take the bucks to where they belong — O-LINE and D-LINE.
Jimmy Crack
March 8th, 2012
1:46 pm
One of the good guys gets inked. Jason is one of the few players I can actually say got short changed with his contract. A true team player who runs with attitude whenever called upon.
JSS
March 8th, 2012
1:49 pm
You have got to be kidding TFF? You SIGNED DeCoud (a classic under-performer), Snelling (coming off a broken jaw), Bierman (he’s a back-up), Palmer (only in Atlanta would some folks think he’s Jimmy Graham or Adrian Hernandez like talent-level), and you Grimes out on an island hating being franchised? Where have you improved? You still have 4PM on the 12th stirring you in the face… Like I said: “You’re giddy!”
Brick
March 8th, 2012
1:55 pm
Love the signing of Snelling. Good solid player that helps our team in multiple ways. I believe DeCoud was resigned bc of the safety draft class. It is terrible. Kroy biermann, I don’t quite understand. He is a decent player but he can easily be replaced with a mid round pick. We will make a push to sign Mario Williams. We have plenty of money. We had at least 30 million to spend entering the offseason.
DC Dirty Bird
March 8th, 2012
2:12 pm
JSS, if you’re going to be a hater, at least do it with football acumen. Decoud’s contract is back-up money at safety. The high dollar amount is based on incentives and roster bonuses 2 years from now. No one in Atl thinks Palmer is anything but a blocking TE. Grimes will be okay once he gets his long term contract. Lastly, who said we’ve improved? I think Falcon fans are pleased that so far we have been able to resign role players at nominal contracts. Okay, prepare to hate on 3….1,2,……3!
ronhen24
March 8th, 2012
2:14 pm
Turner is slow getting off the ball and the best thing right now is to trade him and get back in the first round. Some of those holes he have opened for him the average back would have already been at the second level. Maybe even cut him and free up some money for Nicks and Mario. They will make atleast 2 big splashes this year. Arthur Blanks just have to go into his pockets with some hope that this will pan out. I think that we will be okay go hard in free agency, because Arthur Blanks wants to win.
Gamer
March 8th, 2012
2:15 pm
GREAT TO GET SNELLING BACK……HOPEFULLY DIRK CAN STRATEGIZE ILLUSTRATIVE OFFENSIVE SETS FOR SNELLING…..SNELLING RUNS HARD WITH DETERMINATION TO SCORE….AND HE CAN CATCH THE BALL…
rm
March 8th, 2012
2:31 pm
I don’t understand what the heck the falcons are doing. $4 million a year for Beirmann, who’s best at special teams and is a backup DE? Decoud at over $4 million a year? Seriously? Adam Schefter don’t know what he’s talking about when he say Falcons fans will be glad to have Decoud back. Personally, I think he should have been gone long ago. He is soft and terrible in coverage! How many tackles do we watch him come up and whiff on? Wow, this team seems to be going backward!
yeswecan
March 8th, 2012
2:33 pm
Orlando where did you get your information about what snelling signed for. The terms of his contract is not disclosed. This kid is smart. Keep doing you Snelling. Glad to have you back.
JSS
March 8th, 2012
2:42 pm
DC…
You don’t have to prepare for the hate, you are confusing what I think of Ijonathan, UGABugKiller, and TTF with every blogger. That is not my problem, don’t ever make it personal and we’ll never have an issue on that front. Palmer has never been a “blocking TE.” That is why they went out and got Kelly. Oh go back in the blogs when you have time to waste, people (segment of Falcon bloggers) think he is a better than average receiver.
I’m going to say this clearly. I just don’t like DeCoud (Back-up money or not)… I don’t want him any part him in my defensive backfield… I’ve been consistant in that point (and don’t act like it is something new)… He cannot read routes or formations tendencies or get over his desire to jump routes. Go look at the Giants and you can Gilbride setting him up for Hicks play right in front of him and BAM they ran the route twice in successive down and distance scenarios before he hit it… You are not suppose to do that to your secondary’s quarterback… Go back and watch and listen to what Troy Aikmen said about that play. It is DeCoud, and people think Nolan is work some “horse whisperer magic” on him. The sad thing, it has rubbed off on Moore in his coverage reads. That is not a matter of lack of pass rush (causing sustained coverage time), it is not a matter of coverage, that sir is “basic football accruement.” Enjoy
JSS
March 8th, 2012
3:00 pm
” it should be noted Peyton lost his first 3 Playoff Games!! There’s still hope for Matty Ice!!”
So did Ken O’Brien, go and look at how many playoff games he finally ended up winning…
Veedub
March 8th, 2012
3:02 pm
Good news, I like Snelling.. Seems like he got low-balled though???? Think he’s more valuable to the team that that price-tag suggests!!! O well, welcome back!!
Bird Dawg Country
March 8th, 2012
3:10 pm
Good….Snelling has had some very good runs when replacing Turner on the field. And did not cost much as far as todays market goes.
I wondered why there were so many reports after the season ended that he was one of the players not expected back. I thought he proved his value enough to pursue re-signing.
jay
March 8th, 2012
3:10 pm
@Veedub, he was able to shop around last year and I’m thinking he didn’t get any real offers because he ended up back here on a one year contract. So I think he made a smart decision by taking a more long term deal that will make him a millionare 4 times over and not make him a target to be cut in future years.
Bird Dawg Country
March 8th, 2012
3:11 pm
Now spend some money on O-Line
Bird Dawg Country
March 8th, 2012
3:15 pm
Isn’t it funny how some people think $1 million per year is nothing?! What warped minds. Back to your $7 per hour jobs….lol
little joe
March 8th, 2012
3:24 pm
Chub Rock is right…folks that want rid of Turner are crazy. Watching a mid-season DVRed game a few nights ago they flashed up typical RB numbers such as avg YPC, YPG, carries per game, TDs per season, etc.. The chart indicated MT was second in each and every category for the entire four years since he got here….only AP was better, he was first in each category for the four year running totals. There is nothing wrong with MT nor MR2 that an improved O-line won’t fix
DC Dirty Bird
March 8th, 2012
3:30 pm
JSS,
Its never personal. Kelly was brought in because the #2 TE Justin Peele was lost for the season in training camp. Not because of Palmer. There may be some who are “high” on him, but I’m sure there are other “do you watch the games” statements that are posted by these individuals.
I won’t disagree with you regarding Decoud’s tendency to attempt to jump routes and get burned. I will say this, Nolan’s defense isn’t a read and react defense which may enable Moore and Decoud to be more agressive.
True Falcon Fan
March 8th, 2012
3:39 pm
@JSS — hey i never said i was impressed with all resigns so far. I for one happen to concur with you assessment of DeCoud.
My issue is with your commit of implying the Falcons will “implode” several days ago come 12th March “implosion” — i don’t get that that statement/commit at all. My interpretation of implosion is very bad turn of events of which causes disarray in the organization. I would appreciate a sensible response? Thank U
JSS
March 8th, 2012
3:46 pm
DeCoud doesn’t to be more aggressive, he needs to learn basic tendencies. He went to CAL not UGA, he ought have it figured out by now… Moore just needs to stay on the field. I’m not as crazy bout him as some; but I’ve never questioned his athletic ability, only his durability.
We’ll disagree on Palmer. There have been multiple bloggers pushing him for the past two seasons for bigger role in the passing game. His blocking has never impressed me.
Hugo
March 8th, 2012
3:47 pm
Why? Rather take a draft pick than resign him.
He is straight GARBAGE. Sorry.
JSS
March 8th, 2012
3:55 pm
If read before you comment some time you’d understand what “Roster implosion” meant. Ledbetter answered a question that I posed about the top level of the Falcons UFAs and some players with actual salary cap implications like Baker, Abraham, Snelling, McClure, Lofton, and Douglas on deadline to make offers at 4PM on the 12th due to contracts signed by players on other teams in KC and Cleveland. As Ledbetter said: “It could be ugly.” Of course you ran off on one of your tangents. Snelling was always a wildcard, his injury muddied the water to his value. Grimes on the other hand, who knows, they could have saved them self a lot of misery last year…
Choke has to go
March 8th, 2012
3:56 pm
Ok let now cut Matty ICE and sign Manning:)
Dan
March 8th, 2012
3:56 pm
DLED question do we have enough under the salary cap to get Mario Williams, Ben Grubbs and McNeill if he is relesed by the Chargers if we dont resign Lofton and release Sam Baker and if Ryan restructures his deal?
kingdaddy
March 8th, 2012
3:56 pm
Congragulations Mr. Snelling, glad you’re a Falcon this year.
One thing Atlanta has always screwed up is they always keep their F.As too long. Sometimes you have to trade a good or even great player before they are used up. Smart teams see a player Peaking and that is when you deal for the future of the club. What are we going to get for Turner or Abe? Both great players we could have got #1s for, but it’s too late. For the future of a team, you have to do this or you grow old with few options, which is where Atlanta is now. You need veterans, but football is a young mans game.
True Falcon Fan
March 8th, 2012
3:59 pm
Your point is well deserved DeCoud does not read quickly enough! He’s made Dunta look horrid at times the past two seasons. However Dunta is another issue all together. DeCoud may mature and might improve this season, we shall see.
JSS
March 8th, 2012
4:00 pm
by an actionExplode is external destruction by blast, implode is inside force that cause demolition.
True Falcon Fan
March 8th, 2012
4:02 pm
@JSS – Thank U for clearing that point up for me. I agree with U!
kingdaddy
March 8th, 2012
4:19 pm
Go ahead and lockup Grimes for 3more years so we can trade him while he’s still got value. Then trade him in 1or2 yrs. Give new line coach this year, a chance to move Baker from L.T. to R.T. or inside. Give coach a chance to fix him. Find new L.T. and 1Guard. Work deal with Abe to stay at lower rate or find younger FA. Ask Nolan what he wants and listen to him. Above all else, protect RYAN …
kingdaddy
March 8th, 2012
4:37 pm
This is going to be a very interesting year with new O and D coordinator. We don’t know what we have until we see them on the field against another team using new schemes.
kingdaddy
March 8th, 2012
4:42 pm
It could get ugly but I doubt it. Probably going to be a fun year to be a Falcon Fan.
Falcons4life
March 8th, 2012
4:51 pm
what about HD and lofton??????????
Bruce
March 8th, 2012
4:53 pm
4 Million a yr for Biermann & 4,2 Million a yr for DeCoud. What are TD & AB smoking? A lot of money for a spot player and a db that blows it when he is in coverage. Not expecting much from the Falcons this yr if this is what they are doing in the off season. Disappointed in NW GA.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 8th, 2012
5:15 pm
Falcons4life — Nothing to report at this time on C-Lo and HD83.
PlanB
March 8th, 2012
5:21 pm
Jonathan @ 10:51am – you said Turner sometimes only gets 5 yards. Why do we need a punter??? Get rid of Bosher.
Are you kidding? Many times Turner is stopped for no gain and we need money for OL & DL help. We have good RB’s in Snelling and Quizz. One of the positions where we can get rid of our #1 and still be OK at that position.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 8th, 2012
5:21 pm
Dan — They have to set the salary cap first. You scenario doesn’t work. They are not working restructuring Ryan (Per TD on 790 The Zone). Sam Baker is not getting released (Per Smitty at combine). Lofton is up in the air.
PlanB
March 8th, 2012
5:22 pm
Bruce – looks like Nolan might have a plan for Biermann.
thejama
March 8th, 2012
5:37 pm
I really like this move. Snelling has been a rock since being drafted. He does it all…blocking fullback, pass protection, catches out of the backfield, runs hard between the tackles, and oh yeah Special Teams!! Love this move TD, if Turner goes down we still have a power running game.
Now lets get Lofton inked and pray we can get Harry as well…going to be an exciting week leading up to FA. Go Falcons!
JTH
March 8th, 2012
5:56 pm
Now get some linemen. Good ones.
PlanB
March 8th, 2012
5:59 pm
Just read Chub Rock at 11:29am. A complete jerk. Turner get 1000 yds against crap teams and 340 against the good teams and chub rock is self appointed more knowledgeable about football than anyone. These are usually the guys that know nothing. Turner was MM #1 RB. Then why is MM gone? Snelling is only 10 lbs lighter than Turner and can catch and play FB. And did you miss Jamal Anderson? The true best RB for the Falcons ever before injuries. How about Riggs and William Andrews?
coloradofalconsfan
March 8th, 2012
6:38 pm
Oh I like Snelling. I we see more of him in the offense and plays like that TD he scored on a pass vs Saints where he bullied those bounty hunters.
coloradofalconsfan
March 8th, 2012
6:38 pm
* I hope we see…
hbcuclassics
March 8th, 2012
6:46 pm
HBCU Classic Sports
2012 Draft Preview: Corey Berry, DE, Howard
http://hbcuclassics.com/hbcu_showcase
falconfiend
March 8th, 2012
7:23 pm
Im ready for the falcons first round draft pick Mario Williams. Then our defensive end search is over.
falcons relax
March 8th, 2012
7:41 pm
Some of you falcons fan don’t understand and have a very low football I.Q. Chub Rock made a great point about fans crying over finneran but then wanting turner cut who just finished 3rd in rushing and has 12 TDs. SLOWING DOWN????? Have some of you forgotten the bad play of the o-line and the lost of Ovie, one of the best FBs in the league???
And for anybody who wants to say turner just turned 30. Why is 30 the average for when RBs slow down? It isn’t just because 30 is a magic number. ITS BECAUSE BY 30 RBs HAVE USUALLY GOTTEN OVER 2000 CARRIES. Do the math. Turner didn’t start until he was 26. HE WAS ALREADY A BIG RB BACKING UP L.T. Turners body is way freshier than other RBs who turn 30 based on his playing time. I’ll give up on turner when the FACTS AND STATS start showing hes wearing. But hes fine. Steven Jackson is doing fine with more carries on the worse team. Turner has a good 2 years of top quality production left in him.
BTW, its official, on the nfl network jason la caforna said he expects Atlanta to make a strong push for mario williams. I truly belive SMitty, TD, and Blank already have the plan to go get him. Put that with Mike Nolan addition and a healthy Ray Edwards to redeem himself, with Sid and Biermann as backups. Should be a fun season ahead of us. Hope we get him
Sid
March 8th, 2012
7:58 pm
My god we stole him…………………..
hrn
March 8th, 2012
8:30 pm
looks like ovie may be getting cut
PlanB
March 8th, 2012
11:00 pm
Falcons relax @ 7:41pm – Turner is not a has been (but close), but is big money for a team with needs. He’s slow and not versitile. Last year he averaged 4.7 yds per run and catch. So did Snelling plus Snelling is more versitle. A good OC would have plays with both Quizz and Snelling in the backfield and create some problems for many teams. Not the same with Turner. Yes, Turner will probably be with us next year playing the same conservative football MS loves while the OC & DC take the blame. If (conservative) MS is in control we’re in trouble, If AB said let the new coordinators do their job and keep the players they like, we’ll be OK.
I hate for the 2nd year the Falcons crapped on Snelling. They did the same thing with Grimes last year and are paying top price for him this year when they might have signed a long term contract for less money.
We need OL & DL.
PlanB
March 8th, 2012
11:08 pm
And, I am reading an athletic Snelling at 234 lbs and a slugish Turner at only 10 lbs. more. Price difference is about 4 mill.
Whopper Dawg
March 9th, 2012
12:12 am
I love Snelling, too bad they NEVER use him. That begs the question, why the resign unless you don’t have another backup to Turner you believer in.
TRIGG
March 9th, 2012
12:58 am
Turner is offically trade bait now or released for cap space help! It was good while it lasted while you were here Turner! Thanks for the goooooood times!
Falcons agree to terms with running back Jason Snelling | NFL Online News
March 9th, 2012
3:12 am
[...] Atlanta Falcons This entry was posted in Atlanta Falcons and tagged agree, back, Falcons, Jason, running, Snelling, terms. Bookmark the permalink. ← EyeBlack serves up patches for athletes and fans (PA SportsTicker) [...]
Gunner
March 9th, 2012
4:19 am
The Falcons are so far below the salary cap they can keep Turner and still sign Mario to a reasonable contract.
How about Carl Nicks? I’d love to see him on our O-Line.
That’d solve our 4th and short problems!
clay
March 9th, 2012
4:42 am
This means ovie is going to be cut. They save 3 million by cutting him. Restructure ryan and turner’s deals then you have the money to get mario. I def. think they need to resign douglas and let weems walk.
DC Dirty Bird
March 9th, 2012
6:37 am
No need to restructure Turner. We still save on the cap by cutting him. We have to do whatever it takes to get Mario Williams. Spoon, WillyMo, and Super Mario could take this defense to another level.
hbcuclassics
March 9th, 2012
7:50 am
HBCU Classic Sports
2012 Draft Preview
Corey Berry, DE, Howard
http://hbcuclassics.com/hbcu_showcase
PlanB
March 9th, 2012
8:11 am
Michael Turner as a Falcon for 4 years:
1189 carriers for 5281 yards = 4.4 ypcarry
40 receptions for 329 yards = 8.2 ypcatch (10 per year)
Snelling in 2009 while getting a few starts:
142 carries for 613 yards = 4.3 ypcarry
30 receptions for 259 yards = 8.6 ypcatch
Cobra ASU RAM Falcon
March 9th, 2012
8:42 am
we need a pass rush and some tough and physical Offensive lineman thats not scared of nothing and will run through a Wall for Matt Ryan and Matt Ryan need to develop a better deep ball and needs to get in the weightroom and become a beast and work on his feet work
#10Fan4Life
March 9th, 2012
8:57 am
Somebody correct me if I am wrong but wasn’t Turner the third ranked RB in the NFL last year????
jay
March 9th, 2012
9:17 am
#10Fan4Life – Let me list the RB’s I’d rather have over Turner.
A. Peterson
A. Foster
M Jones-Drew
F. Gore
S. McCoy
A. Bradshaw
F. Davis
R. Rice
A healthy McFadden
M. Forte
So that put’s him at about 11 on my list and if C Johnson bounces back that puts him at 12.
PlanB
March 9th, 2012
9:29 am
Let me add Snelling to that list and that makes him 13th.
BIRDSFLYHIGH
March 9th, 2012
10:24 am
Gunner, The Falcons aren’t as below the cap as YOU think when you consider that they still have many free agents to sign dude. Getting ride of Turner would give the birds enough cap space to go after Car Nicks & Mario both. I personally dont think we need Mario for what he would cost! Sid & Matthews could get the job done.
Atlanta Falcons Free Agency: Mario Williams Rumors, Vince Manuwai Signs And More at atlanta.hoops227.net
March 10th, 2012
11:11 am
[...] to that list: running back Jason Snelling. The Falcons reportedly signed the versatile backup to a three-year deal worth about $4M in total money. Snelling’s skills as both a capable runner and receiving threat were already known, but he [...]