Falcons sign speedy cornerback Terrence Johnson
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) is tackled by Indianapolis Colts defensive back Terrence Johnson (23) during the third quarter of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
FLOWERY BRANCH – In order to fill Brent Grimes’ spot on the 53-man roster, the Falcons signed cornerback Terrence Johnson on Tuesday.
Johnson, 26, played in 10 games and made two starts with the Indianapolis Colts last year. He was used primarily as a nickel back before he suffered a forearm injury and was placed on injured reserve.
Johnson, 5-foot-9, 195-pounds, played collegiately at California, Pa.
Johnson was originally signed by the New England Patriots as a college free agent on April 29, 2010. He was waived by the Patriots and signed to the Indianapolis Colts practice squad on December 23, 2010.
Falcons coach Mike Smith said the Falcons planned to look at the entire spectrum of players available as free agents, but they elected to go with a young developing player over a veteran like they have in the past when they signed Brian Williams and Kelvin Hayden.
However, they could not sign cornerback Darrin Walls, who reached an injury settlement with the team. Under the terms of the agreement, Walls can’t be re-signed within six weeks of his release.
Walls played with the Falcons last season and saw action in five games.
Some of the available veterans were Bryant McFadden, Lito Sheppard and Andre Goodman.
McFadden, 30, has played in 96 games and made 52 starts, mostly with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He spent one season in Arizona.
Sheppard, 31, started seven games last season in Oakland after playing seven seasons in Philadelphia and one each with the Jets and Vikings. He’s played in 126 games and made 79 career starters.
Goodman, 34, started 16 games last season with Denver. He’s played in 127 games and made 95 starts.
Chris Carr, 29, started 16 games for the Baltimore Ravens in 2010. He’s more known for his punt and kickoff return skills, but has played in 103 games and started 27.
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124 comments Add your comment
Mikey
September 12th, 2012
9:16 am
I’m anxious to see Owens step up. He remains the fastest guy on the team and during his first year he just oozed potential. He hits hard and is not afraid to stick his nose in an end sweep. He had a really bad outing in the playoff loss but who knows what was behind that. Perhaps he was stage struck or injured… we will never know. Nolan must have confidence of some sort though because he is still on the team and may be THE guy. I trust Nolan and his talent evaluation SO much more than the bloggers here. I’m sure sorry to lose Grimes but have no doubt that Smith/Nolan will make the right decisions to stay HIGHLY competitive. This Monday night game will be a real test for corners though… Manning DID look invincible in picking apart a good defense. Thank heaven we have Nolan and his trainees on board to give him our best shot. Can’t wait for Monday… our team looks GOOD! GO FALCONS! Now is the time to STEP UP!
tjhook
September 12th, 2012
9:31 am
@Mikey,
I want to ditto about everything you said. I am an Owens fan and have been trying to convince people that Van Gorder’s scheme was one he had trouble converting to. I do think Payton Manning will probrably punish him two or three times Sunday but he is an athlete and very competitive. He also has the advantage of a wily corner like Asante Samuel to coach him up on the fly. Falcon fans, be patient with Owens – he will show his ability over time and I believe you will come to appreciate his place on the team.
tjhook
September 12th, 2012
9:32 am
excuse me. team plays on Monday night
Dirty birds32
September 12th, 2012
9:39 am
A
D. Orlando Ledbetter
September 12th, 2012
9:41 am
Mike is Back – Don’t forget about Robert McClain.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
September 12th, 2012
9:43 am
TAR — Thanks for giving us some insident T. Johnson.
Dirty birds32
September 12th, 2012
9:47 am
Really a Bucs fan on here talking smack!? They win one game against the over rated panthers and they are super bowl bound.. Lol..really.. A Bucs fan. I laughed so hard I pooped a lil. Probly sitting there in his sissy cream cycle jersey blogging away..enjoy one of the few wins u r goi g to get this year I guess..lol tampa
D. Orlando Ledbetter
September 12th, 2012
9:50 am
Greg Mendel – Jeffrey did make that point. I also pointed out to him that if the offense is going to score on eight straight possessions every week then it won’t matter who’s at cornerback.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
September 12th, 2012
9:53 am
just me – The team believes that it is set at running back. We’ll monitor who comes in for workouts.
bigdave
September 12th, 2012
9:53 am
Co-sign the commens on Owens..
I’m no “fan” of any of our db’s outside of Moore, but truth is that nickel is tough; its a 2 way go. I hope they leave D Rob there and let Owens play outside where he can use his speed, physical nature, and most of all the sideline.
Dirty birds32
September 12th, 2012
9:57 am
Does anyone know if grimes salery still counts against us?
D. Orlando Ledbetter
September 12th, 2012
10:02 am
Esquire — Thanks for dropping that 40-time on Johnson. His low is 4.46 according to NFLDraftScout.com.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
September 12th, 2012
10:05 am
Dirty birds32 — Yes, his $10.281 was guaranteed.
darock2454
September 12th, 2012
10:06 am
I think we should have taken a look at a veteran free agent like a Mcfadden or Sheppard to give us a edge on teams who these guys have played against. Those two guys could have come in and made an immediate impact to the team. We are trying to win NOW!!!!!
Dirty birds32
September 12th, 2012
10:09 am
Dang it! Thx d led
single white dove
September 12th, 2012
10:31 am
Brian Williams and Kelvin Hayden, i thought they looked good with their assignments????
Esquire
September 12th, 2012
11:04 am
D. Orlando Ledbetter
September 12th, 2012
10:02 am
Esquire — Thanks for dropping that 40-time on Johnson. His low is 4.46 according to NFLDraftScout.com.
*******************************************
Even better……..!!
JordinJohn
September 12th, 2012
1:01 pm
Remember the salary caps!
chucktownfalcon
September 12th, 2012
1:03 pm
With Bryant McFadden and Lito Sheppard out there, this is who we go with? Are we really trying to get past the 1st round of the playoffs? I just don’t understand….
Football Runners » Falcons sign speedy cornerback Terrence Johnson
September 12th, 2012
1:07 pm
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single white dove
September 12th, 2012
2:56 pm
chucktownfalcon
September 12th, 2012
1:03 pm
I agree, who the hell is in charge????
chucktownfalcon
September 12th, 2012
4:27 pm
I don’t know….SMH..
James
September 12th, 2012
9:21 pm
I am the biggest Falcon fan ,but I say we still have not been tested yet.
Local scout
September 13th, 2012
5:09 pm
Terrence Johnson 5′9 195 Cal U of Pa 178 tackles 16 ints 35 pass break ups. 40 yd dash 4.36. He got released from the patriots in training camp 2010 bc of a hamstring injury. He was very impressive getting reps with the 2s and he and McCorty were the two standouts prior to the injury. The colts signed him Dec. 2010. In 2011 he played in 10 games with 2 starts before injuring his forearm jamming Chad Johnson of the patriots. 2011 He had 37 tackles 28 solo and 9 asst. Played in the nickel but more like an extra linebacker. He was by far the toughest DB the colts had. It seems like the new regime didn’t even give him a shot by bringing in a ton of new DBS.
Ps. He and Darrin Walls were the starting corners on woodland hills high school football team in 2004
He will impress sooner than later!