Falcons re-sign linebacker Mike Peterson
Here's Mike Peterson (53) stretching as the Falcons opened their first 2009 minicamp in Flowery Branch. CURTIS COMPTON / ccompton@ajc.com
Terms of the deal were undisclosed. Peterson, 36, was a starter in 2009 and 2010 before shifting to a reserve role last season. He received a $50,000 signing bonus and a base salary of $910,000 in 2011. He was not tendered an offer, when his contract expired on March 13.
In 2011, he started five games and played in 15 before going on injured reserve with a torn triceps that required surgery.
He was originally selected as a second round (36th overall) draft choice by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1999 NFL Draft. Peterson, one of the most-respected players in the locker room, currently has 1,607 career tackles.
The Falcons were thin at linebacker after releasing Matt Hansen and with Lofa Tatupu suffering a serious pectoral injury last Thursday in the weight room.
Tatupu was scheduled to see Dr. James Andrews today. The team has not provided an update on his status.
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- In a 37-21 victory in Oct. of 2009, Cowboys linebacker Keith Brooking (51) cheers toward the Falcons bench after teammate Patrick Crayton scored a touchdown. The former Falcon had two tackles for the Cowboys. (Vernon Bryant, Dallas Morning News)
BIRDLAND - With the pectoral injury to Lofa Tatupu and the release of Matt Hansen, the Falcons are back in the linebacker market before the start of training camp on Thursday.
The extent of Tatupu’s injury will be known after a visit to specialist Dr. James Andrews on Monday.
The group of available veteran linebackers includes a couple of familiar names in Mike Peterson and Keith Brooking. Peterson is the logical choice to return, since the present regime elected not to re-sign Brooking 
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Brooking’s celebration after the Cowboys beat the Falcons in 2009 would also have to be forgotten for the former first-round pick and Georgia Tech standout to return to Flowery Branch.
Here’s a quick look at some of the prospects:
Mike Peterson, age 36, 6-foot-1, 230-pounds: Played the last three seasons with the Falcons. He was a starter in 2009 and 2010 before shifting to a reserve role last season. He started five games and played in 15 before going on injured reserve with a torn triceps that required surgery. He was originally selected as a second round (36th overall) draft choice by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1999 NFL Draft. Peterson, one of the most-liked players in the locker room, currently has 1,607 career tackles. Twitter handle: @MikePeterson53
Channing Crowder, 28, 6-2, 247: Last played with the Miami Dolphins during the 2010 season. He
Channing Crowder on Radio Row for Super Bowl XLVI. (D. Orlando Ledbetter/Dledbetter@ajc.com)
played under new Falcons coordinator Mike Nolan for two seasons. He played in 82 NFL games and made 74 starts. On his radio show in Miami he announced his retirement on Friday, according to Florida Sun-Sentinel Dolphins beat writer Omar Kelly. At the Super Bowl, the former North Springs High standout talked about making a comeback with Nolan and the Falcons.
E.J. Henderson, 31, 6-1, 235: He started 107 of 125 games over the past nine seasons for the Vikings. He rebounded from a horrific injury in 2008 and made the Pro Bowl in 2010. He could fit the bill as a two-down run stuffer. Twitter: @56ejhenderson.
Gary Brackett, 32, 5-11, 235: He played in one game last season after starting the previous seven seasons at middle linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts. Falcons director of player personnel David Caldwell was with the Colts during part of Brackett’s tenure. Twitter: @GaryBrackett58
Keith Brooking, 36, 6-2, 245: After spending his first 11 seasons with the Falcons, he played the last three seasons for the Dallas Cowboys. He’s a former five-time Pro Bowler and played one season under head coach Mike Smith in 2008.
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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141 comments Add your comment
Larry
July 22nd, 2012
8:34 pm
I’ll try it in two parts to see if this will work…sigh!
Part one:
JSS,
What is your issue? Yes, we’ve had our message board wars in the past and agreed–at least I did with the initial olive branch–to call a truce. I believe I’ve held up my end of the bargain, agreed?
I’m simply trying to get where you’re coming from. You seem at have aligned yourself at times with CHOKE and ‘poop, who are clearly appear at times racist with their constant attacks on Ryan and idolatry for Vick, so I’m, frankly, trying to define your motivation. I mean seriously, even if they are not Matt Ryan fans where’s the need–especially from CHOKE, not ‘poop–to obsessively assault and disparage Matt Ryan unwaveringly and unendingly? Even with his physical limitations the man is a decent guy who tries his best and keeps his nose out of trouble.
Larry
July 22nd, 2012
8:37 pm
Come on, DOL!
Larry
July 22nd, 2012
8:39 pm
I’ll try it with a couple of dots …
JSS,
What is your issue? Yes, we’ve had our message board wars in the past and agreed–at least I did with the initial olive branch–to call a truce. I believe I’ve held up my end of the bargain, agreed?
I’m simply trying to get where you’re coming from. You seem at have aligned yourself at times with CHOK.E and ‘poo.p, who are clearly appear at times racist with their constant attacks on Ryan and idolatry for Vic.k, so I’m, frankly, trying to define your motivation. I mean seriously, even if they are not Matt Ryan fans where’s the need–especially from CHOK.E, not ‘poo.p–to obsessively assault and disparage Matt Ryan unwaveringly and unendingly? Even with his physical limitations the man is a decent guy who tries his best and keeps his nose out of trouble.
Your comments above give me a better understanding as I’ve been a season ticket holder since 1988. I too didn’t care for the Mora or Petrino hiring’s–especially dumping Reeves for the ammonia sniffing Mora.
You’re a sharp dude with a tremendous insight and historical perspective, but I think you at times devalue your contribution by some hidden bitterness and resentment…just trying in my mind to separate you from some folks here that that have nothing of consequence to offer but are obsessed with beating up on some players for reasons that are highly suspect and questionable.
Lighten up, man…I actually agree with some of your and share some of your perspectives more than you might believe!
falconjonk
July 22nd, 2012
8:52 pm
Just bring Gary Brackett ok.
Hamad Meander
July 22nd, 2012
9:09 pm
Answer D: None of the above
Rick
July 22nd, 2012
9:18 pm
Well I see all of the “I hate the Atlanta Falcons non fans ” are back on the blog. Still hard to figure why non fans get on here and bash the home team. But anyway, heres my opinion, I think anyone we bring in will be just a backup to Dent. I think Dent is going to surprise some people this year how else do we feel good enough to not resign Lofton? I know money had something to do with it but I think all of us as real Falcon fans have asked about player development on both sides of the ball…..correct? I think Dent has developed, learned how to play behind some good vets and now its his turn! We only need a backup in case if injury or to spell him every now and then. So lets go Falcon Nation, many of us are getting what we asked for, players who develop into starting roles! Rise up!
Whadda Ya Know?
July 22nd, 2012
9:22 pm
Keith Brooking? DLed I can’t believe you even thought the Falcons would consider this clown after they basically told him he was washed up.
Atlanta Falcons: Peterson’s return likely; Brooking’s is not | NFL Online News
July 22nd, 2012
9:24 pm
[...] Atlanta Falcons This entry was posted in Atlanta Falcons and tagged Atlanta, Brooking’s, Falcons, likely, Peterson's, return. Bookmark the permalink. ← NCAA set to hammer Penn State [...]
Big Ray
July 22nd, 2012
9:55 pm
Larry,
Nice try, but even a graphing calculator couldn’t compute JSS’s issues….it’s hopeless. Especially since he keeps coming on a blog that is centered on a team he can’t stand. Talk about retarded….damn, I think I just insulted the mentally challenged on that one…
As for backup LBs, I’m fine with anything except Keith Brooking. He got the pink slip because he felt he should have been paid like a Pro Bowler when in fact he was playing like a practice squad chump. Enough said.
falconfan4ever
July 22nd, 2012
9:58 pm
Who ever they select will be a back up. I like Dent as a starter to begin the season. Some where down the line someone saw something out of him to be drafted. why not give him a chance at it. If it doesn’t work out then Tatupu should be ready to come back from the injury. I think we will be just fine what ever happens. There is no reason to panic. RISE UP FALCONS !!!!!!
JSS
July 22nd, 2012
10:03 pm
“Aligned?” What is this the 1947 House Committee on Falcon Fan Activities? Sorry to tell you folks but MCR has been 91% right regarding Ryan and his play over the past seasons.
I’ve told y’all for years that I ain’t here to make friends…
Choke will tell you that we’ve had our spiffs; but we have an agreement, I mind my business and he minds his own blogging!
Folks just like Michael Vick is a grown man, so is Matt Ryan! All of this “like” talk isn’t helping him one bit! Shoot, Jim McMahon was an average QB in the overall scale of things; but that dude didn’t how Chicago fans talked him down, same for Phil Sims… But in Atlanta, it is you folks are suffering from some form of POW mentality! “Why does the world not love us?” “Why?”
Geez, it is a football game played for money as its form of allegiance! I’m done, STOP messaging me!
Falcon Fan
July 22nd, 2012
10:05 pm
If its just going to be a backup why not Brooking. He could mentor some of the younger guys on defense and play sparingly to give Dent a breather. I like that move alot. Plus it can be his apology of sorts to Falcon nation and he can go out a Falcon.
JSS
July 22nd, 2012
10:06 pm
Ha ha, issues? You folks are ripe tonight!
Larry, tell Ledbetter to email you my reply…. STOP messaging me!
bo joe ellis
July 22nd, 2012
10:41 pm
If you can’t find any one besides these 5 clowns then get Crowder.
BIG J
July 22nd, 2012
11:30 pm
Brooking doesn’t want the FALCONS. The Falcons showed no class when they cut him. Instead of thanking him for staying with a looser franchise, they spouted to him ” It’s a young mans game”. They got what they deserved in the Cowboys game. Anyone would be a fool to sign with those losers. They will probably sign someone from the Dept Of Corrections team. Pro sports has become nothing but my cities thugs vs your cities thugs.
Aaron
July 22nd, 2012
11:55 pm
Don’t need 36-year olds.
Grimey
July 23rd, 2012
12:00 am
Id like a solid Mlb that can take a leadership role.And have starting dent at mlb
Jarrett
July 23rd, 2012
2:00 am
My cities thus vs your cities thugs??? Sooo Matt Ryan is a thug now??? Tom Brady too???Some of these comparisons go a little far… Football is a thinking mans game thug or not… The concepts andstrategies require that you learn to out-think your opponent as much as anything else so I I’m not really sure that was a good analogy to use…
Saints R.E.A.M.
July 23rd, 2012
8:00 am
Channing – - what type of shape might he be in considering he planned on retirement? However, most Falcon Fans would sign him. Interesting…..
Jss is a pillow biter
July 23rd, 2012
8:02 am
JSS, have you looked over any of your posts? Maybe you should have been doing your English homework instead of whining about a Pro Football team. I figure you stopped purchasing the Season tickets because you most likely lost your job(assuming you @ one time had one) or your parents cut you off. Please get laid, or make a friend..or if a human won’t come near you-get a dog! Either way I,m sure I speak for everyone when I say please stay off a blog that is for “fans’” not Poindexter nerdy geek types that most likely only played Rec ball and have some pitiful vendetta. PS. we sholda kept Lofton, Lofa will be back soon and Dent’s Backup will play sparingly as did the aforementioned so it doesn’t matter in the grand scheme
Brian Van Gorder
July 23rd, 2012
8:19 am
Please, ANYBODY but Keith Brooking!!!
Big D
July 23rd, 2012
8:42 am
We had a good line backer, Curtis Lofton, but we let him go to the Saints. Now we need a line backer?
SawThat1nce
July 23rd, 2012
8:47 am
Why didn’t the Falcons draft Clay Matthews?
Esquire
July 23rd, 2012
9:00 am
I think Dled was joking by including Brooking on this list. And while we are on the subject of linebackers Curtis Lofton was a league leader in missed tackes.
Will the Falcons Add a Free Agent Linebacker? | XSDirect
July 23rd, 2012
9:08 am
[...] DOL breaks down the free agent linebacker options. And to be honest, Mike Peterson does seem like the best option. [...]
Rodster
July 23rd, 2012
9:11 am
Brooking is a low-class, a$$-clown.
Bring in Brackett.
kingdaddy
July 23rd, 2012
9:49 am
Get Brookings & E.J. OR M.P. Then make Brook run the stairs everyday, then cut him right before the season starts. No Glory in ATL. for Brook. Only HEARTACHE…
PMC
July 23rd, 2012
9:51 am
Crowder would be a decent canidate because he knows the scheme.
If Mike Pete can play though, I’d love him to be here over you know… Robert James…anyway.
Buckeye
July 23rd, 2012
9:55 am
Anyone but “I’m always at the ball two steps late” Brooking
kingdaddy
July 23rd, 2012
10:05 am
Get Brookings, treat him bad, then cut him, lol…
Good Grief
July 23rd, 2012
10:06 am
Brackett would probably be the best choice, as he has experience both playing and leading. The age wouldn’t be a big deal, as it might only e a year or two contract at most.
The key thing is that the Falcons need to start working on defense in the draft. The offense will come around, and we have enough threats on the edge to stretch the defense and opening up the running game. We may need a RB very soon, but that shouldn’t be difficult. But we have to build a defense.
Say It Aint So
July 23rd, 2012
10:21 am
Brooking is a career pile jumper. Falcons are looking to move forward not backward. Just say no!
Pile jumper Brookings
July 23rd, 2012
10:27 am
HA no way the need 2 sigh the pile jumper Brookings. Hes a waist of a rooster spot.
jerseyfalcon
July 23rd, 2012
11:09 am
Isn’t EJ Henderson on the Dolphins now?? gary Brackett never played in a 4-3/3-4 hybred system…so he won’t be good. Brooking…hurts just typing his name out, so he’s out. Peterson, there was a reasonw hy he was let go and not retained to teach the younger guys…he’s 36, which means he’s lost not just one but maybe four steps and what good is that? Basically the Falcons are screwed at MLB because Dent isn’t proven at all ( dont care if he was a ‘beast’ as all you people down south call EVERYONE out of a Georgia school ) Plus ons are barely under the cap…they ahve about 2.8 or 3 mil left, so they can’t sign a MLB AND a half way decent LT is baker falls apart again……This is a long post and i doubt anyone would actually read this but oh well.
smh...
July 23rd, 2012
11:17 am
I woundn’t sign none of these guys if I had to. But since I have to sign at least one of them… I guess it would be Crowder.
Joe Falcon
July 23rd, 2012
11:29 am
Brooking was great, in his day…but his day is done. Now, he’s a “shoe-string” tackler. The “last man on the top of the pile”.
Stephen Hawking would make a better MLB, right now.
SeenThisB4
July 23rd, 2012
11:30 am
If Tatupu is visiting Dr. James Andrews, then there is no way he is just missing the beginning of falcan’t camp. He will be lucky to make it back before the season ends, if he doesn’t just go ahead and call it a career. Makes that soft defensive underbelly, even softer.
scott
July 23rd, 2012
11:44 am
Why were the Falcons banking so heavily on Tatupu who didn’t even play last year ? It wasn’t like we had Ray Lewis and now he is hurt. There should have been a better plan than banking on this guy. They should have signed Lofton. From what I remember he was pretty good…remember Falcons execs ???? It’s their own fault they are in this mess. Bring back Fulton Kuykendall or Buddy Curry.
Northern Bird
July 23rd, 2012
12:25 pm
I’d say EJ Henderson or Crowder. EJ was a great run stuffer with the Vikings, though he had the two Williams bros up front too…
Mike P was a great pro – but too old, and like others have said on here re. the return of Brooking: ‘No way Jose’ – as much as i liked him during his 1st contract with the falcons – the guy is an idiot !
Big Ron
July 23rd, 2012
12:27 pm
All of these guy are to old,
thats all you could come up with
JSS
July 23rd, 2012
12:29 pm
Whodini missed their calling, the freaks come out at 8:02 in the morning! “I,m,” “Sholda,” “Season,” and dang the list is too long… Larry the Cable calling out folks is just un-American! P.S. Sylvan called and you’re late!
Ted Striker
July 23rd, 2012
12:38 pm
The betting line in Vegas just moved to “JSS over Larry” in this debate by 13 points. Never seen anything like it. It started out even, then the spread rocketed to double digits as I scrolled down.
If the conversation (?!) continues it’s going to be a blowout with JSS hanging 47 verbal smackdown points on Larry, who clearly won’t manage to score.
I’m calling my bookie. I see easy money.
yeahsure
July 23rd, 2012
1:22 pm
Falcons showed no class when they cut Brooking?
Arthur held a freakin press conference when they cut him.. Who else gets that treatment? Do you see the patriots holding press conferences for every vet they cut? Brooking is dead to me and this franchise. Spoon will wear that number 1000x better than overrated Brooking ever did.
Anyways, lets bring in Chowder. He knows Nolan and he’s young. As long as he comes in shape.
JSS
July 23rd, 2012
1:35 pm
Be careful Ted Striker, the long knives are out! You don’t want to get dragged into this one… You know I have “issues!”
Thanks for the backup, enjoy the upcoming season and my best to you and yours!
Hard Truth Soldier
July 23rd, 2012
1:37 pm
Funny isn’t this? I mean to be this close to training camp and not have a plan in place is a statement within a organization. One Super Bowl appearance since 1966 says it all.
senior falcon
July 23rd, 2012
1:42 pm
No to Brooking. Yes to the most ag-ile, mo-bile and hos-tile among the others. As for JSS and Larry, get a room.
Mr. Hankey
July 23rd, 2012
1:45 pm
Brooking? No way, Renee. I detest, despise and can stand him and that was when he was a Falcon. After his behavior after the Dallas game in the Dome I’d just as soon spit in his face. The good thing is I can back that up. That’s what 15 years of martial arts will do for you. Watch out Keith. I got a loogy waiting on you, asspipe.
Georgia Sports Reports
July 23rd, 2012
2:06 pm
Think maybe we should’ve resigned Lofton now??
UPGRAYEDD
July 23rd, 2012
2:42 pm
All those cats are too old, except Crowder. Crowder knows Nolan’s system. He’s still young enough. This one’s a no-brainer, as long as Crowder still has the fire.
Bluto
July 23rd, 2012
3:23 pm
“Larry, you are still talking at me? I have said this ad nauseam: I’m a pro football fan…”
AKA front runner.