NFL free agency: All gassed up, but no place to go
Curtis Lofton, the Falcons' leading tackler over the past four seasons, appears headed to free agency. (Curtis Compton, ccompton@ajc.com)Arthur Blank’s charter plane – affectionately called Falcons One -- is gassed up with jet fuel and ready to go.Under general manager Thomas Dimitroff, the Falcons have identified their free agent targets and hit them.In 2008, Falcons One swooped in and picked up Michael Turner, the top free agent running back on the market, and signed him.In 2010, the main target was Dunta Robinson and that was done rather quickly.Last season, after the lockout, they flirted with defensive end Charles Johnson before the bidding got out of hand. The Falcons then went after and signed Ray Edwards.However, barring a flurry of cuts and contract restructures, the team will not be a major player in free agency when the league’s new business year begins at 4 p.m. today.Falcons One might just be sitting on the runway, gassed up with no place to go.Although fans are clamoring for the Falcons to get involved in the Mario Williams sweepstakes, the team has just enough room under the $120.6 million salary cap for the 2012 rookie class and perhaps a minor tweak or two.The Falcons have been busy getting ready for the start of the NFL’s new business year, but likely will be shifting their focus to the NFL draft, which will be held April 26-28 in New York.Dunta Robinson, after a trip on Falcons One, signed with the Falcons on March 6, 20010. (D. Orlando Ledbetter, dledbetter@ajc.com )
Also, it appears that the Falcons will watch as some of their key players like defensive end John Abraham, middle linebacker Curtis Lofton, center Todd McClure and wide receiver Harry Douglas head to free agency.
The Falcons have already completed some key moves.
On Saturday, the Falcons agreed to terms with linebacker Lofa Tatupu, 29, a three-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro, move that basically signaled Lofton is headed to the open market.
In addition to securing Tatupu, with a two-year deal, the Falcons re-negotiated cornerback Dunta Robinson’s contract, signed offensive guard Vince Manuwai and re-signed three veterans — defensive end Kroy Biermann, safety Thomas DeCoud and running back Jason Snelling — over the past week.
“They have a great quarterback and a running back,” said Manuwai, who sat out last season after playing eight seasons in Jacksonville. “As an [offensive] lineman, this is a good situation.”
Manuwai is set to compete for the starting right guard spot.
On Friday, the Falcons worked out Tatupu, who’s 6-foot, 250 pounds. The former Seattle linebacker did not play last season because of injury problems.
He will compete with second-year man Akeem Dent for the starting spot. The Falcons could use Dent in running situations and Tatupu on third downs.
The Falcons were ranked 29th in the NFL in third-down defense last season. Tatupu has 10 career interceptions.
Tatupu has a history of knee and concussion problems. He did not play in the league last season, reportedly because of his knee problems.
Robinson re-negotiated his contract with the team to provide them with $1.55 million in salary-cap space in 2012. On Jan. 25, Robinson’s cap-value number for 2012 was $7.55 million. He cap number is now $6 million.
Manuwai, 6-foot-2, 335 pounds, played left guard in 111 games and started in 105.
Manuwai was a solid run blocker, who helped to power the Jaguars’ run game for running backs Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew.
He suffered a torn tendon in his ankle during the lockout and wasn’t ready to play when it ended.
Last season, the Falcons mainly used Garrett Reynolds and Joe Hawley at right guard. Also, Mike Johnson, who missed most of last season with a foot injury, will compete for the spot.
Manuwai played under current Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter for four seasons from 2007-10 when Koetter served as the Jaguars’ offensive coordinator.
“It’s awesome because I know the offense already,” Manuwai said. “They just wanted to see me work out and make sure that I had no problems. They made the first offer, and that was it. I didn’t want to worry about looking somewhere else. To me, it wasn’t about the money.”
Prospective Free Agents
John Abraham, DE
Kirk Chambers, OL
Harry Douglas, WR
Kelvin Hayden, CB
Reggie Kelly, TE
Curtis Lofton, LB
Todd McClure,OL
Mike Peterson, LB
Chris Redman, QB
Brett Romberg, OL
James Sanders, S
Eric Weems, WR
Joe Zelenka, LS
Vance Walker, DT — restricted
Players Re-signed
Kroy Biermann, DE – 4 years, potentially $12 million.
Thomas DeCoud, FS – 5- years, potentially $21 million
Brent Grimes, CB – Franchise tag – 1 year, $10.281 million
Jason Snelling, RB – 3 years, $ 4 million.
Vance Walker, DT — $1.26 million
Antone Smith, RB – $540,000
Michael Palmer, TE – $540,000
New players
Manuwai, Vince, RG – Undisclosed
Tatupu, Lofa LB – 2 years.
Potential targets
Carl Nicks, guard, New Orleans — Our buddy Mike Tripplett of the New Orleans Times-Picayune has an update on Nicks.
Scott Wells, center, Green Bay — Here’s a story by Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel on Wells likely leaving the Packers.
Kendall Langford, defensive end, Miami
Nick Hardwick, center, San Diego –Re-signed with the Chargers.
Mark Anderson, defensive end, New England
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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188 comments Add your comment
falcon guy
March 13th, 2012
1:31 pm
DLed,
You are crazy man. Brent Grimes’s franchise tag money IS NOT ON THE CAP YET!!! Check the facts. If the Falcons so choose, they can sign Mario Williams, and then retract the franchise tag if they need to. Or negotiate a deal with Grimes and cut players like Sam Baker and Ovie Mullgheli, or get a restructured deal from other players like Matt Ryan or Roddy White.
Saying Mario is a dead deal is just wrong. Check with your national colleages, they all are hearing the Falcons are definitely in on the Mario market. They always come up first or second in mentions for a new home for Mario.
@CaliDirtyBird
March 13th, 2012
2:03 pm
Arthur Blank had better have his private jet en route to pick up Mario as I’m typing this. If we go into next year without a PREMIER DE. We will be screwed. We saw how that worked out for us last year by passing on Charles Johnson. Lets not make the same mistake twice.
Pete E. Tong
March 13th, 2012
2:11 pm
Kincaide via John Clayton:
The Atlanta Falcons ARE pursuing Mario Williams and WILL restructure contracts to make room for him.
What can you copy and paste in response to that, DOL?
falconfiend
March 13th, 2012
2:17 pm
The center positon is a must. i like the pursuit of scott wells and Nick Hardwick. I like the signing of Manuwai. These guys will provide that strength up front that we need and blocking needed in the middle. On defense, i like the signing of lofa. falcons need to sign lofton and try to go after phillip wheeler for depth. Nolan should go after kendal langford and mark anderson.
What Pass Defense?
March 13th, 2012
2:20 pm
I think the franchise tagging of Brent Grimes can be attributed to DC Nolan. In one of his earliest interviews after being hired here he said in today’s NFL you must have 5 starting corner backs because of the era of high powered passing attacks like the Packers, Saints, Giants, Lions and Patriots.
Why would he want his best corner back to leave, and then have to replace him, while trying to make sure he can get and coach up 4 more? I think Dunta will be better in man-to-man coverage. I think Owens, Franks, and Walls are good coachable candidates for the other three positions DC Nolan wants to defense these high powered passing offenses. Hayden played well in the slot before the toe injury. Re-sign Hayden and we have six corners available, and who knows what the draft or free agency brings?!
I am optimistic.
jay
March 13th, 2012
2:52 pm
@Pete. Sho ya right, brotha. He’s 5′ 10 that’s why everyone thinks he’s a shrimp, lol.
Disgusted
March 13th, 2012
3:20 pm
Offensive line is the biggest need for upgrade. We got one guy who if healthy will be a great pickup, but that is a big if.
Need Wells and Nicks. And they have to replace Baker.
Chattanooga Chuck
March 13th, 2012
3:20 pm
The quiet before the storm?
Kramer
March 13th, 2012
3:23 pm
Let’s hope so Chuck. I guess we will find out over the next 60 minutes.
Tha Real Falcon
March 13th, 2012
3:28 pm
Wish I knew this before I re-upped for 2012
Kramer
March 13th, 2012
3:33 pm
Real Falcon, that would not make you a real Falcon fan. The true fan sticks with their team through good times and bad.
Falcon Realist
March 13th, 2012
3:36 pm
Thomas,
Trade Matt Ryan and Roddy White to Washington for the second pick (draft RG3). Throw in Michael Turner. You could sale Washington on the fact they get a West Coast QB with experience to win now. He brings his number one receiver and running back.
Sign Peyton Manning and Pierre Garcon. Peyton prefers to play in a dome, control environment. He could overlook the fact he may have to face his brother to reach the Super Bowl. We could even sign his center Jeff Saturday to a one year contract.
Cut Dunta Robinson and free up some more cap room and sign Mario Williams. Mario would make any DB you bring in to replace Robinson better than the performance we’ve received from Robinson.
I've Been Telling You Guys For Years TD is Crap!
March 13th, 2012
3:52 pm
Way in over his head. The only thing Arthur is concerned with is the new stadium. It’s really sad!
This city deserve much more.
Arthur, please SELL the team to an owner that knows what he’s doing.
Mikey
March 13th, 2012
4:00 pm
Falcon Realist – you’re retarded…i feel dumber after reading that post
Falcon Realist
March 13th, 2012
4:13 pm
Mikey you look dumber too. Now you match your IQ.
realsquawk
March 13th, 2012
5:01 pm
That is the most unrealistic thing I have ever read @ falcon realist
hbcuclassics
March 13th, 2012
5:26 pm
HBCU Classic Sports
2012 Draft Preview: DE, Corey Hart, Alabama A&M
Led nation in Tackles for Loss – 29
http://www.hbcuclassics.com/hbcu_showcase
I've Been Telling You Guys For Years TD is Crap!
March 13th, 2012
5:39 pm
yeah…Falcon Realist may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer, but one things for sure,,,this org is going to sink to trying to cover up Ryan’s short comings.
jay
March 13th, 2012
6:02 pm
lot of wr’s falling off the board. i think santana moss would be an interesting option at the 3rd WR if HD can’t be had
Ed
March 13th, 2012
6:05 pm
Are you kidding me! Not going to be active in Free Agency! What was all the build up for in the off season and the big talk about nobody is safe. Coachs can’t play and if you really think that it was all coaching faults last year then why are you letting Lofton go or Abraham. This is a joke we have needed linemen from year one and still need line help and you have no first round draft and yet you are not going to be active in free agency. This is not good and I like Mike Smith but he will be gone in a year because the fans won’t stand for this and Blank will have to get rid of the office keepers next. I really can’t believe Arthur is not going to go heavy into free agency it just doesn’t make sense!
Carter
March 13th, 2012
6:44 pm
I believe that Atlanta made a huge mistake in signing washed up players and Mediocre players instead of getting a superstar to change a game. It is just so disappointing for a team with so much upside. I prey for the Atlanta and its fans. As for the front office, you should be ashamed of yourselves and when the stadium is empty, you should not question why. Also, when Blank wants to fire Mike Smith because of another early exit form the playoffs, then you should not question why.
Bruce
March 13th, 2012
7:51 pm
My money is on the Falcons being worse this coming season than last season. Not keeping some players, resigning spot players to high contracts & being unable to improve via free agency means a definate step back. Top it off with no 1st round pick & they will be lucky to go 8-8 with that rag tag defense that will be spun as having “all this potential”. Can’t wait till the phrase “if they play the way we know they can” gets used for the first time.
Desperate falcon fan
March 13th, 2012
8:15 pm
Its the start of free agency today. Did anyone notice? We still got the same team from last year minus our best defensive players with the addition of injury prone players. Dimitroff and smitty who are you guys and how good are you guys really. Im starting to think that matt ryan and arthur blank deserves alot more credit.
Tommy Maddox
March 13th, 2012
8:18 pm
Let’s see: Falcons let Harvey Dahl go – how’d that help the Offense? Now Lofton and Abe are probably gone. How’s that going to help the Defense? Rely on the second coming of Peria Jerry?
I know it’s early on but this does not look good. Maybe my fuse is too short and should see what tomorrow brings. I hope we are all pleasantly surprised!
Desperate falcon fan
March 13th, 2012
8:29 pm
All dimitroff is, is very well spoken. Very smart guy but that doesnt make you a good general manager. As a fan I just ask that he improves our team. Give smitty anf nolan the players they need to put us over the top. Stop resigning our dead weight. Improve! Dont just look busy. Read the damn blogs and get help dimitroff.
Disgusted
March 13th, 2012
8:33 pm
I don’t think so Tommy Maddox, being cheap with Harvey Dahl did not help the line last yr and this time around the defense does not look improved. What do we get, hope to be healthy William Moore, Peria Jerry and a comeback from Lofta Tatupu? And get lucky with pick number 55?
Its hope upon a prayer.
If the do not upgrade the line signifigantly (and I am not buying into that big guard they got from Jacksonville), how can they possibly be better?
If anything they slide back to 8-8, or worse.
Disgusted
March 13th, 2012
8:35 pm
Dimitroff is not a great GM, but we have had worse.
Remember Ken Herock?
Disgusted
March 13th, 2012
8:58 pm
Hey, Albert Haynesworth is available.
Whit
March 13th, 2012
9:11 pm
I hope Turner and Mughelli are gone. That’s 10 million off the books. Release Baker and get another 3-4 mil. Restructure Ryan and White… Or trade White for a high pick and sign HD. Sign Williams and Winston. Draft a running back in the 3rd of 4th round.
bama52
March 13th, 2012
9:11 pm
Two line backers from The University of Alabama that will be under the radar come drat time are Jerrell Harris and Alex Watkins. Also DB Phelon Jones is worth looking at.The Falcon scouts should have their eyes on these guys.
mike powell
March 13th, 2012
9:13 pm
I don’t understand how arthur blank think giving us fans the same team , with the same weaknesses and now less talent is showing progress in this leauge. What does the hirearchy of this team think we are? The Falcon fans are the poster children of the ” THIS IS SHINOLA” line. Arthur, we are not ignorant, and we will let our absence speak for us. YOU have to earn fan following, it’s the job you applied for.
Teenwolf
March 13th, 2012
9:23 pm
Mr. Blank,
Get in your private jet and get D. Williams from Buffalo! We need a significant upgrade on both sides of the ball. You can draft an interior lineman at 55. You can’t find an impact pass rusher in the 2nd round.
Tommy Maddox
March 13th, 2012
9:32 pm
I misspoke earlier. Sorry fellas.
We have not had the first coming of Peria Jerry so how can we have a second coming?
Desperate falcon fan
March 13th, 2012
9:41 pm
I wont go to a single game if we dont upgrade our talent. Is anyone hearing me on mike tolbert in sandiego. Hes literally a faster turner. Trade turner for picks and sign tolbert,hes a free agent. We dont need turner,he only plays for the money. If you look at the guy hes only getting fatter. He only cares about fat checks not the team. In the playoffs he should be a beast. Not even over 150 for all three playoff games combined. Lets go FALCONS, MAKE MOVES!!!!!! WERE WATCHING!!!!!!
hbcuclassics
March 14th, 2012
12:40 am
Carl Nicks and Terrence Newman
Disgusted
March 14th, 2012
6:41 pm
The Falcons are making moves but they are dumb moves like giving big bucks to Thomas Decoud and Kroy Bierman. Average players and that is generous.
sams
March 16th, 2012
12:26 am
Hi,
Thank you four your nice writing on Atlanta Falcons
NFL free agency: All gassed up, but no place to go
Thanks.
NFL free agency: All gassed up, but no place to go | NFL Online News
March 19th, 2012
12:10 pm
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