Falcons would send right message with Asante Samuel trade
Is cornerback Asante Samuel pointed for Atlanta? (AP photo)
(Update: The Asante Samuel trade is complete. The Falcons will send a low-round draft pick to Philadelphia for Samuel and the cornerback signed a salary cap-friendly three-year, $18.5 million contract. The team has not yet announced any other moves regarding potential restructuring of contracts of other players.)
Even if some would debate the success of their ventures, there is one undeniable reality of the Falcons’ rebuilding efforts in the past four years: Their offseasons haven’t been short of wow moments
A team doesn’t draft, sign or trade for the likes of Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Tony Gonzalez, Dunta Robinson, Ray Edwards and Julio Jones unless there is some degree of aggressiveness in the front office. It’s why these past several weeks of mere re-signings have been met with a collective yawn. As if the Falcons suddenly are settling.
General manager Thomas Dimitroff views that perception as harsh. But maybe he actually sees some of what everybody else sees after all: The Falcons need a bold move — and Asante Samuel may be it.
Dimitroff has been holding trade talks with Philadelphia since at least Sunday for Samuel, a four-time Pro Bowl cornerback. That’s how you send a message. It’s a move that says, “We’re going for it,” not, “We’re settling.”
Samuel would be a significant upgrade for a defense that finished 20th against the pass last season, 29th in third-down situations and 18th in scoring.
There are some obstacles to getting this done, not the least of which is fitting Samuel under the salary cap. But the Falcons’ mere pursuit of him indicates two things: 1) They know they need to get better; 2) They know this week’s draft picks and new assistant coaches may not get it done.
The Falcons can’t afford to hit a wall in the postseason again. If that were to happen, owner Arthur Blank, ever about the arrow pointing up, is going to start looking at this regime in an entirely different light.
Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, who was made available to the media Tuesday after voluntary player workouts, didn’t hide his feelings for Samuel. When asked if the trade talks suggested the organization was in a “win now” mode, Ryan said, “I’m certainly in a win-now mode. That’s the only way you can approach the NFL. … As far as Asante Samuel is concerned, I can only speak from having played against him a number of times, and I know that he’s been extremely difficult to play against and done a great job.”
Funny. One minute, word leaks out that the Falcons are pursuing Samuel and the next minute cornerback Brent Grimes is driving to Flowery Branch on Tuesday morning to sign his $10.281 million offer sheet. I’m sure it’s just a coincidence.
Even with Grimes under contract, don’t believe Dimitroff’s interest in Samuel will cool. He has wanted him for a year now. He was New England’s director of college scouting in 2003 when the Patriots drafted Samuel out of Central Florida.
Late last summer, when Samuel became expendable after the Eagles added cornerbacks Nnamdi Asomugha (free agent) and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (trade) to their secondary, the Falcons were interested. But at that point, Philly wanted at least a second-round draft pick in return,- and the Falcons were too close to the salary-cap ceiling to realistically do something.
A lot has changed. The Eagles are more desperate now. They might take a fifth-rounder just to get Samuel off the books. The calendar also affords the Falcons more time to make the numbers work, even if they’re only $1,656,559 under the $125,432,149 cap. Samuel is scheduled to earn $21.5 million over the next two seasons but he is open to restructuring his deal to make a trade happen. He also may be more accommodating for the Falcons than he was for Denver.
The Falcons have a number of players whose deals could be restructured. Most notable: fullback Ovie Mughelli ($3.733 million cap hit), who also could be cut or traded. Running back Michael Turner ($7 million cap hit), offensive tackle Sam Baker ($3.7 million) and defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux ($4.6 million) also are top candidates. (Dunta Robinson’s deal already was restructured.)
This move could dent the egos of Grimes and Robinson. But that can’t be a concern. New defensive coordinator Mike Nolan likes using a number of defensive backs in his scheme. Some of the opposing quarterbacks on the team’s 2012 schedule also suggests five defensive backs might be the relative base: Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, Philip Rivers, Tony Romo, Matthew Stafford, Cam Newton and Michael Vick.
Samuel is 31, but he can still play. He turns an average area of the team into a strong one. He allows the Falcons to finally bang the gong in this quiet offseason. Now it’s just a matter of getting the deal done.
By Jeff Schultz
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155 comments Add your comment
DuntaHater
April 24th, 2012
3:44 pm
How about getting rid of Dunta now? He has hurt us so much last year.
Jeff Schultz
April 24th, 2012
3:57 pm
Thanks all for the comments.
Jeff Schultz
April 24th, 2012
3:59 pm
DuntaHater — Sorry, he’s not going anywhere. But if the Falcons get this done, don’t be surprised if Dunta ends up as the nickel back, where he could better utilize his physical play. I also think he would be much more open to that move than Grimes, given where the two are at in their careers and their respective contract situations.
ATLJBO
April 24th, 2012
4:13 pm
Great info Jeff Schultz… Thanks.
So you think the Falcons will get this done with Asante ?
ATLJBO
April 24th, 2012
4:16 pm
Also Jeff Schultz
Dunta played some NB in his final year and a half with the texans…. I think he would be a nice fit there… He was also a good blitzer from that position.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
April 24th, 2012
4:24 pm
HA HA HA
Eagles leftovers
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
April 24th, 2012
4:26 pm
That would be one less PICK6 CHOKE has to worry about…ha ha ha.
Is CHOKE still 6′5 175lbs? Or did he finally dedicate himself and show some initiative and hit the weight room?
Either way he is still the BUST I predicted back in 2008
DZ
April 24th, 2012
4:27 pm
If we can make both Grimes and Samuels contracts work, we would have arguably the best starting CB core in the league with Grimes/Samuels/Robinson.
Why wouldn’t we want that again?
Our schedule against QB’s this year is brutal.
Newton x2
Freeman x2 (with a better OL and WR core)
Brees x2
Mannings x2
Stafford
Vick
Rivers
Romo
Live and in Color
April 24th, 2012
4:53 pm
“If we can make both Grimes and Samuels contracts work, we would have arguably the best starting CB core in the league with Grimes/Samuels/Robinson.”
That is about the dumbest thing I have heard all day!!!!
1danielbell
April 24th, 2012
5:05 pm
Adding Samuel would allow the Falcons to use the nickle as their base defense, which means losing Lofton wouldn’t be such a big deal after all.
FALCON MAN
April 24th, 2012
5:27 pm
Why is Matty Ice not renegotiating his contract like some of the other players to get more cap room?
Kyle
April 24th, 2012
5:37 pm
I like it but then again anything is better than going into this season with the same garbarge that could only score 2 points when it counted. If that is the case we are going to need a defense that can shut the other side down (and get the two points of course).
Chub Rock
April 24th, 2012
6:06 pm
Got a chance to see Matt Ryan during today’s press conference and let me say that all allegations of him spending time in the weight room and putting on more muscle are COMPLETELY unfounded. I actually saw his heart beating at one point in the interview. Maybe he just doesn’t have the genetics. He’s my guy, don’t get me wrong but man he looks frail. Is he a vegan?
RobbE33
April 24th, 2012
6:09 pm
Jeff, is it possible to still negotiate a long term deal with Grimes after signing the tag?
GT GRAD
April 24th, 2012
6:21 pm
Everyone should be patient………if we just wait a few weeks the Eagles will probably/likely cut Samuel (due to salary cap reasons). With his salary cap numbers; he should definitely clear waivers. Why would he not want to come to Atlanta? If we pick him up as a free agent we will not have to pay him stupid money.
I wish Brent Grimes had NOT signed the franchise tender…….I was hoping to trade him (which could still happen). He is simply not worth $10.28M for one season.
I would be MUCH happier and the Atlanta Falcons would be much better with a 1st or 2nd round draft pick, additional salary cap space and a vacancy at starting CB. Does ANYBODY out there think Samuel would NOT sign with Atlanta as a free agent after being cut by Philly if Grimes was traded?????????
Use the draft pick from the Grimes trade and salary cap space for a starting caliber OT and starting caliber Nose Guard.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
April 24th, 2012
6:21 pm
FALCON MAN
April 24th, 2012
5:27 pm
Why is Matty Ice not renegotiating his contract like some of the other players to get more cap room?
________________________________________
Because he is selfish, self centered and doesn’t take winning seriously.
Look what Matthew Stafford did so the Lions could lock up Calvin Johnson and other key players.
All CHOKE cares about is his overrated contract
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
April 24th, 2012
6:27 pm
GT GRAD
April 24th, 2012
6:21 pm
Everyone should be patient………if we just wait a few weeks the Eagles will probably/likely cut Samuel (due to salary cap reasons). With his salary cap numbers; he should definitely clear waivers. Why would he not want to come to Atlanta?
___________________________________________
Because he doesn’t want to play for LOSERS and a BUST qb that is nothing but a LOSER
Gwinnett Fred
April 24th, 2012
6:32 pm
Looks like the Samuel deal is crumbling. The Phbilly Inquirer is reporting that compensation to the Eagles is a done deal, but for him to fit in the salary cap the Falcons have available, it will take both restructuring his contract as well as a 2012 pay cut, which he is not willing to do. Sounds like in this instance it takes THREE to tango, and only 2 are in step.
jerry
April 24th, 2012
6:54 pm
With an All-Pro secondary and no pass rush, receivers will get open. It may take a little longer but they will get open.
Old Goober
April 24th, 2012
6:59 pm
The word from the Philadelphia Inquirer is that the Eagles and the Falcons have settled on compensation—a late round draft pick from the Falcons (probably a 5th or later round pick)—but that the hold-up is Samuel’s refusal to take any form of pay cut for 2012. A $10 million 2012 salary would require a lot of contract restructuring among existing Falcon players in order to stay under the cap. Right now, Samuel’s negotiation is in the hands of an agent. Of course, the Eagles want to avoid simply cutting Samuel. That way, they’d get nothing other than the salary savings, and Samuel would have to pass through a lot of teams before the Falcons could get any negotiating rights.
RUDEDAWG
April 24th, 2012
7:19 pm
Cant believe they gone pay this JAG 10 Million,SMGDH,to funny!
Double Zero Eight
April 24th, 2012
7:56 pm
On paper, it looks like a good deal.
After Dunta Robinson and Ray Edwards, I am
somewhat skeptical. Asante is no “spring chicken”.
Let’s hope he is healthy, and can stay healthy if indeed
there is a trade.
Double Zero Eight
April 24th, 2012
7:59 pm
Without a decent and consistent pass rush, it
won’t matter that much who is in the secondary.
Most pro receivers can get open after 4 seconds.
JOSH SMITH FOR 3!
April 24th, 2012
8:52 pm
Get rid of Mighty Mouse or I’ll shoot 75-footers in the playoffs.
Sid
April 24th, 2012
10:21 pm
We don’t need another MEangelo…………………
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
April 24th, 2012
11:26 pm
“CHOKE & Dimitroff Meeting”
Dimitroff: Hey Matt we need to talk about your contract.
CHOKE: I’m getting a pay raise?
Dimitroff: No Matty we need you to restructure like Matt Stafford did to sign some key players.
CHOKE: You joking right?
Dimitroff: No Matt I’m dead serious.
CHOKE: No way dude.
Dimitroff: Matt think about the team, be a leader.
CHOKE: Sorry Tom but that is not in my best interest.
Dimitroff: Listen up you clown, I gave you more than you deserve.
CHOKE: That’s why I’m keeping it all, who else will give me a contract like this?
Dimitroff: So your’e going to be selfish about this?
CHOKE: Dude this may be my last gig, I am no fool. End of conversation.
Dimitroff: You see, that’s why the Dolphins passed on your worthless behind.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
April 24th, 2012
11:29 pm
“BREAKING NEWS”
CHOKE was seen loading up at the local Noodle House of Wuzz. When questioned, he stated it was just his annual off season ritual.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
April 24th, 2012
11:40 pm
TRIVIA QUESTION:
Who was the last Number One overall qb to lead their team to a playoff win in their 1st season as starter?
Anyone?
JSS
April 25th, 2012
12:07 am
I rather have a cornerback that jumps routes more than a free safety that tries to do it!!!!
chris
April 25th, 2012
12:29 am
nnamdi asomugha makes well over 1 million, ore around 11 million
chris
April 25th, 2012
12:32 am
Eagles are currently $12 million under cap. No reason to cut Samuel to stay under cap and ATL knows it, so the dreams of waiting till the Eagles just cut him would never happen. Its more about scheme change than $$. Eagles have plenty of $$$
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
April 25th, 2012
2:05 am
TRIVIA QUESTION:
Who was the last QB picked Number One overall to serve time in prison? Anyone?
Scott Brantley
April 25th, 2012
7:07 am
Get him, dammit!
Birdy
April 25th, 2012
7:33 am
@Matt: That would be MV7 leading the Falcons against Brett Favre and the Packers.
Jeff Schultz
April 25th, 2012
8:44 am
Atljbo — I see Dunta as the nickel back and, yes, also could see him coming in blitzes. But I don’t have a feel for how Nolan views the personnel (strengths, weaknesses).
Jeff Schultz
April 25th, 2012
8:46 am
RobbE33 — Yes. Grimes signing the contract tender should be viewed as just a “temp contract” so he can participate in offseason workouts and camps. Two sides will continue to work on a multiyear deal, which would supersede the franchise tender.
Jeff Schultz
April 25th, 2012
8:49 am
JSS — Agree. I’ve got no problems with guys who guys who jump routes, particularly when they have a history of making plays.
Kramer
April 25th, 2012
8:53 am
Matt “CHOKE” Ryan
April 25th, 2012
2:05 am
TRIVIA QUESTION:
Who was the last QB picked Number One overall to serve time in prison? Anyone?
Shouldn’t you be worrying about your convicts the saints?
Great move if it happens. Have to get this done with a trade so not to let him go as a F/A. Another team could swoop in and take him.
Bill
April 25th, 2012
9:48 am
Just what we need, another 5-10 corner who we overpay. AS had 3 interceptions last year and is clearly on the down side of his career. Please don’t make this move.
Nativebird
April 25th, 2012
10:52 am
Love it. its about time. Want to see it. the time is now. This would all but ensure that OL is in the Draft strategy. One suggestion: if Dimitroff wasnt the KING of non-answers, deniel and deflection with regard to the press and what he is doing, then he could avoid all his anger about how the Falcon nation treats his YAWN created perception that he himself initiates.
DT…you cant have it both ways my friend. ANSWER SOME QUESTIONS honestly dude, and SAVE the attitude.
Nativebird
April 25th, 2012
10:52 am
Love it. its about time. Want to see it. the time is now. This would all but ensure that OL is in the Draft strategy. One suggestion: if Dimitroff wasnt the KING of non-answers, deniel and deflection with regard to the press and what he is doing, then he could avoid all his anger about how the Falcon nation treats his YAWN created perception that he himself initiates.
DT…you cant have it both ways my friend. ANSWER SOME QUESTIONS honestly dude, and SAVE the attitude.
reckingball
April 25th, 2012
11:48 am
I hope that they can improve the OLine, and the pass rush, to go along with this upgrade.
OLine was the weakest link of the Falcons last year.
Chub Rock
April 25th, 2012
11:59 am
I think a healthy Vince Manuwai will be a clear upgrade over any player on the team at this point. Not sure where Mike Johnson is recovery wise but I still think he can be the future at RG. With Samuels in camp the needs narrow to D-line and O-line with the early picks. Yea we need a replacement for #88 but not this year. I like James Hanna in the later RDS. A 4.4 forty 6′4 255 lb TE with good hands to develop. Sign a veteran safety and draft a PR/KR WR like Wylie late and I think the team is complete for this season at least.
PlanB
April 25th, 2012
12:43 pm
Three good CB’s would help with some coverage sacks.This is one way of getting it done and may be Nolan’s plan. I’m hoping he will have better schemes to get 10 people 4 sacks instead of 4 people 10 sacks and I think he will.
We’ve seen some bad plays out of Franks and some extremely bad games out of Owens but they started looking better toward the end of last years season. Keeping Franks, Owens & Walls while BG, DR & AS get older & and more costly seems to be a good plan. They can take over later and also provide some injury help. I like what’s going on and hope the trade for AS goes thru.
FHZ
April 25th, 2012
12:56 pm
They’re not paying all of these CBs…lol
They’re dealing Grimes, and moving up in the draft…
Who is going to play Special teams? Who is going to return kick-offs?
keith
April 25th, 2012
1:04 pm
cut Ovie, Baker and Turner. Trade for Samual, draft a speed RB, sign any LT who is an upgrade over Baker.
FHZ
April 25th, 2012
1:04 pm
There is someone that they like near the end of The First round, and the team that they will deal Grimes to has a late 1st Round Pick..
It won’t even be a position of dire need.. Who ever this player is..The GM and The Coach must want him badly, and doesn’t expect this player to drop all the way to #55..
The deal of Grimes is probably done.. Falcons have to get Samuel first..
Plus, Nolan’s CBs in Miami were on the tall side..long arms…Same with The Ravens..
rollo lawson
April 25th, 2012
1:05 pm
This is what I don’t get about this front office. You currently have a very good third cornerback in Dominique Franks. To me, the guy looks good out there when he is given the opportunity to play. Why do we draft players such as Franks if we have no intentions on developing them for future use? Do they not have confidence that the guy can do the job? I for one think he has all the skills needed to compete and do well in this league. It’s funny how they have so much confidence in under-achieving Sam Baker, but not Franks.
Thomas Dimitroff gets on my nerves some times. He acts like he is the smartest man in the room, but can’t see the forest for the trees. The problem with this team for the past few years has been A) scheme/defensive coordinator and B) no penetration from the DT position. We fixed “A”, now is the time to address “B”. A big DT that can occupy the guard and center will allow for Peters and Babs to disrupt the pocket and flush the QB to either Abe or Edwards. Playing Babs alongside Peters does not accomplish this because they are basically the same player. Neither commands a true double team. Pair either with the DT out of Washington (Alameda) and watch how much pressure this defense generates.
rollo lawson
April 25th, 2012
1:10 pm
Chris Owens and Darrin Walls started looking pretty good later in the season too. The cornerback position is not what ails this team. Trust me. Been watching these birds far too long.
5150 UOAD
April 25th, 2012
1:33 pm
Should make Brent “Spud Webb” Grimes better.