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
MattRyansBrain
April 24th, 2012
10:48 am
first!
BamaGuy
April 24th, 2012
10:48 am
Love it….
Stevie Spurrier
April 24th, 2012
10:48 am
Oh yes yes
Tana
April 24th, 2012
10:49 am
I can dig this.
Stevie Spurrier
April 24th, 2012
10:49 am
Could I pick your brain Matt, beings your first
Hankie Aron
April 24th, 2012
10:50 am
I would definately do it.
MattRyansBrain
April 24th, 2012
10:50 am
this is an either/or – if Falcons trade for Samuel, they will rescind the franchise tender to Brent Grimes – you cannnot have three corners on one team making $8million+. Falcons have too many other needs.
Also, it should be noted that Assante Samuel is 31 years old and the last time the Eagles traded an aging star (Donovan McNabb) – well, that did not work out too well for the Redskins – ask Mike Shanahan!
Eagles are good at trading guys just before their production sinks…..buyer beware.
dan
April 24th, 2012
10:51 am
Getter Done!
DCBravosFan
April 24th, 2012
10:55 am
This would be huge. Jeff, any idea which players are candidates for contract restructuring?
falconfan12
April 24th, 2012
10:56 am
Jeff, if the Falcons get Samuel, can they pull the franchise tag on Grimes? Or are they obligated to keep it unless Grimes consents to its removal?
Jeff Schultz
April 24th, 2012
10:57 am
DC BravosFan — I’d think Ovie Mughelli for starters.
Jeff Schultz
April 24th, 2012
10:59 am
FalconFan12 — Yes, the Falcons could pull the tag off Grimes but that would make him unrestricted and they’d lose him for nothing. They’re a long way from that happening, Would prefer to work out a deal.
Asante Samuel could fit with Falcons – ESPN (blog) - Bowie TX Rocks
April 24th, 2012
11:00 am
[...] According To …SB NationWould you Consider Asante Samuel?ChiefsCrowd.comNFL GridIron Gab -Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) -NBCSports.comall 173 news articles » Download this page in PDF format [...]
Smoothie
April 24th, 2012
11:01 am
Jeff, thanks for staying on top of this while DOL bores us with draft speculation.
Anyway, is it too late for TD to rescind the Franchise Tag on Grimes should he pull off this trade with Philly? IOW, does Grimey still have th same latitude to sign the tender at any time or is it now a matter of either holding out or working a multi-year deal?
Thanks for the clarification!!
Mark
April 24th, 2012
11:04 am
Hey Jeff, if we pick us Samuel, can we “untag” Grimes and let him walk? OR, could this possibly be a smoke screen to force Grimes to sign?
Jeff B
April 24th, 2012
11:05 am
Smoothie, not so harsh please! DOL has a blog post up on this as well.
Jeff B
April 24th, 2012
11:05 am
@Mark – you’re question was already answered above.
Smoothie
April 24th, 2012
11:05 am
“Eagles are good at trading guys just before their production sinks…..buyer beware.”
Hahaha, Iggles are also good at overpaying for Free Agents and assembling “Dream Teams” that become, ahem, Cream Dreams. Samuel can still play, but Philly has too much committed to younger corners. I could totally see TD getting Grimes to sign for a lot less with more guaranteed money and 5 years. Or he’ll just dump him for more picks.
Mark
April 24th, 2012
11:05 am
Ovie and Baker would open up about 7mil+ in cap space
Larry
April 24th, 2012
11:06 am
Anytime before his signs it, you can rescind the franchise offer to Grimes thus immediately making him an unrestricted free agent and free to negoiate with any team.
Mark
April 24th, 2012
11:06 am
Jeff B – just saw this…thanks
Jeff B
April 24th, 2012
11:07 am
Schultz, insightful article, as always… this would be a huge addition for the Falcons. Salary cap is obviously a hurdle, but I think it can be worked out. Look at all the crazy contract structures the Saints have been handing out… why don’t we give him a similar, backloaded deal?
matt r
April 24th, 2012
11:08 am
I like the idea of 3 good CBs (if we can consider Dunta good) but I’m always weary of the guy another team is trying to dump. They must have their reasons.
Smoothie
April 24th, 2012
11:08 am
Jeff B, took him long enough, was reported by Glazer and Schefter only 2-3 hours ago. He’s always slow (and reluctant) to the party and then claims it’s simply “responsible” journalism. Ha! At the ajc?? Other than Schultz and a couple others like Tim Tucker, ajc is severely lacking in many regards. DOL is not close to Wyche.
falconsrus
April 24th, 2012
11:11 am
Mark is on the mark
Jeff Schultz
April 24th, 2012
11:13 am
Folks, wouldn’t anticipate anything along lines of Grimes’ tag being rescinded. In fact, we may be close to some “news.” Stay tuned.
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 24th, 2012
11:15 am
Thomas Dimitroff for president…
tgueboy
April 24th, 2012
11:16 am
lets do it..whats the hold up?
Jeff Schultz
April 24th, 2012
11:17 am
And like I said above, guess what? Brent Grimes has just signed his contract tender, via Ledbetter. Post should be up soon (if not already) on his blog site.
Larry
April 24th, 2012
11:17 am
To keep both Samuel and Grimes, the following players are at risk of release and/or forced restructuring:
Turner: $,5000,000
Babineauz: $4,100,000
Mughelli: $3,000,000
Baker: $2,600,000
Nicholas: $2,300,000
Decoud: $1,400,000
Bierman: $1,100,000
Jerry: $ 845,000
MattRyansBrain
April 24th, 2012
11:19 am
some “news” eh, Jeff? sounds like you are intimating the Falcons are on verge of re-signing Grimes. Go ahead, “tease us” some more……
SimpleDawg
April 24th, 2012
11:20 am
Hope TD can make the deal.
Maybe the Little Man will come to his senses…..if not, lower his offer every week his sits out.
Larry
April 24th, 2012
11:21 am
Jeff Schultz
April 24th, 2012
11:17 am
“And like I said above, guess what? Brent Grimes has just signed his contract tender, via Ledbetter. Post should be up soon (if not already) on his blog site”
And thus this ridiculous $10,000,000.00 fully guaranteed just crippled this team further and likely ended the pursuit of Samuel.
Benjamin
April 24th, 2012
11:24 am
I would be most concerned with the investment as it pertains to the cap, but otherwise, it’d be a win for the Falcons…
Mellow ANG
April 24th, 2012
11:29 am
I would like to see this deal done, but it would be awesome to have Grimes and Samuel. I see Robinson as a disappointment, as a Falcon, so far.
Grimes just signed his Tenure!!!!!!
Glenn
April 24th, 2012
11:29 am
Fine I’ll take a stab . I bet Asante refuses to restructure his contract & gets waived . Then Asante signs with the highest bidder . Well thats how I would play it if I were him .
MattRyansBrain
April 24th, 2012
11:32 am
so now that Grimes signed his tender – does this trade rumor go away – was this just a ploy by Falcons to plant this story? all i know is this – no coincidence that this rumor and Grimes signing his franchise tender all happened in the same day. What say you Schultzie?
rollo lawson
April 24th, 2012
11:43 am
This would make no sense whatsoever. Contrary to popular belief, with Grimes in the fold, the Falcons have some good, young talent at CB. The problem with this defense is pass rush and Van Gorder’s super vanilla defensive scheme. The team addressed part of the problem when Van Gorder left. I suggest the Falcons draft a big-body NT to provide push up the middle on passing downs and clog the middle on run plays. I saw too many times last year where our DTs got no penetration up the middle. Abraham would provide pressure off the edge, and the qb would either step up in the pocket and complete a pass or take off and gain chunks of yardage (See Giants playoff game). NT and LT should be Dimitroffs priority early on in the draft.
Mike
April 24th, 2012
11:43 am
i think there is something else happening, I think that Brent might be traded since it was way too concidence on the same day that this rumor comes out, that he signed his tender
slydog
April 24th, 2012
11:52 am
@MattRyansBrain
Good point about the Eagles. But Samuel would still be an upgrade over what we have now. There are no ball hawks in the secondary and not one of our DB’s are feared by opposing DB. Samuel is not perfect or even one of the top 5 players at his position anymore, but he at least gives opposing QB’s something to think about when throwing in Samuel’s direction. The Falcons do not have the “fear” or the “think about it” factor anywhere on defense.
slydog
April 24th, 2012
11:53 am
Case in point: Charles Woodson was no spring chicken when he was acquired by the Packers, but his presence sure was felt for about 3 seasons.
Well it's official
April 24th, 2012
11:57 am
Grimes is not worth $10 million. Poor decision by TD and the Falcons
Jeff Schultz
April 24th, 2012
11:58 am
MattRyansBrain — Falcons’ interest in Asante Samuel is legitimate.
Frontman
April 24th, 2012
11:59 am
The Falcons would have to get VERY creative with the cap to fit Samuel in.
Hey, rollo…
By “LT”, do you mean “left tackle” or “Lawrence Taylor”?
FalconsinPA
April 24th, 2012
11:59 am
I will say this- living here in Philly and watching the Eagles- this guy is all about “ME” first. When his comments were after they signed and traded for the 2 said CB’s “I guess I’ll take my talent to where I’m wanted” and will not come up an tackle anyone. I hope they reconsider these talks. The honeymoon will be over before it starts- Oh and another comment of his was at the end of the season- “I don’t care what they do as long as I get my paycheck on Tuesday” Don’t need this guy in the lockeroom.
Jeff Schultz
April 24th, 2012
12:00 pm
Rollo Lawson — You make some good points but I can tell you that Nolan likes having a lot of good DBs at his disposal. And if you can get a proven guy like Samuel for cheap, why not do it?
Jeff Schultz
April 24th, 2012
12:00 pm
Well it’s official — The fact Grimes signed his contract tender doesn’t mean he’ll play under that contract. It’s just a “temp” contract.
rollo lawson
April 24th, 2012
12:06 pm
I get what you’re saying Jeff. I’d rather have a defensive line that puts pressure on the QB. The Giants secondary is good, but their pass rush is excellent!! Lets invest in a NT.
FalconsinPA
April 24th, 2012
12:10 pm
I will say too that Asante is not going to re-structure his contract. So the Falcons will almost have to cut or re-structure with someone else to make it happen. And the 2 CB’s the Eagles got will only make $1M and $950K next year compared to AS 5.9 million- so they don’t have a lot tied up in the young guys- fact is ALL their secondary combined will be less than what AS will make in 2012.
FalconsinPA
April 24th, 2012
12:12 pm
@Slydog- he got burned more than any other Fleagle DB last year as good QB’s got him to jump routes all season and burned him every time.
jj
April 24th, 2012
12:14 pm
so u will have 3 corners on roster make 10 million? wow this is exactly why the falcons will never win anything…draft players and develop them like steelers packers 49ers and to certain extent the patriots and previously what the colts did. this team is so interested in making a splash. dont win championships with free agency.
AlanFalcon
April 24th, 2012
12:15 pm
Grimes lady must have gotten real nervous when the talk of Asante came up, can see her now watching the $10 mill fly out of the window, this is why Brent signed, just yesterday he was acting like a hold out.
SSG Desert Dawg
April 24th, 2012
12:19 pm
I think Asante Samuel went to FSU, not UCF.
FalconsinPA
April 24th, 2012
12:25 pm
I stand corrected on my salary statement- 11million the prince is set to make so he does make more that is toward the cap.
rollo lawson
April 24th, 2012
12:27 pm
SSG Desert Dawg, Asante went to UCF.
Northern Bird
April 24th, 2012
12:29 pm
Let’s do this !!!!
While I agree we need better pressure up front, coverage at the back end is critical. This would be a solid improvement to our secondary, I’d be very interested to see how Nolan would structure the packages.
Sources: Falcons eye Asante Samuel – ESPN | Amazing News
April 24th, 2012
12:39 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution [...]
Sources: Falcons eye Asante Samuel – ESPN - Bowie TX Rocks
April 24th, 2012
12:41 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution [...]
slydog
April 24th, 2012
12:50 pm
Yep, you better believe Miko saw her payday flying away. Ok, I am well aware Samuel jumps routes and cherry picks and stays out of position. But this feast or famine style of play is what got him where he is at today. Not one Falcons DB will jump a route save their life. They are content on letting receivers catch the ball first. I have been watching that ever since Scott Case left town.
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 24th, 2012
12:59 pm
“…rollo lawson? Is that Rita Lawson’s boy?”
Boone
April 24th, 2012
1:03 pm
Ok. All you people screaming that he’s “not a DE”, or “can he rush the passer”, he would help the pass rush. How many times last season were we oh so close to getting the sack? If a DB can play it close and make the QB hold on to the ball for just a split second longer, the line gets better and the sack stats increase.
hbcuclassics
April 24th, 2012
1:04 pm
HBCU Classic Sports
2012 Draft Preview:
WR, Mario Louis, Grambling
#1 WR in HBCU Football
http://www.hbcuclassics.com/hbcu_showcase
Left Coast Dawg
April 24th, 2012
1:05 pm
Let Michael Turner go to free up the $$, then draft LaMichael James from Oregon in the 2nd round. We can still pick up a TE in later rounds. If not James then get your TE in the 2nd round and pick up the RB from Boise St in a later round.
Status Quo Blows
April 24th, 2012
1:10 pm
Grimes isn’t very good. He got burned a LOT last year for big plays and tds. Falcons should have let him walk.
Status Quo Blows
April 24th, 2012
1:12 pm
Franchising Grimes is like the Braves franchising Chad Durbin…
keepingitreal
April 24th, 2012
1:13 pm
I hate this. With Grimes and Robinson, CB is not our biggest need. We do need to create cap room and get a left tackle that can come in and protect Ryan. We are NOT going to get that guy with #55 in the draft.
Whopper Dawg
April 24th, 2012
1:17 pm
Alright TD, quit screwing around with the NFL scrap heap and earn your money.
Status Quo Blows
April 24th, 2012
1:18 pm
Nolan likes using a bunch of dbs because the ones he had with Jags couldn’t cover so he tried finding one that could. He will find the same problems with Grimes,DeCoud,and Dunta.
Freddie t
April 24th, 2012
1:19 pm
I’m an Eagles fan and can tell you Samuel will make interceptions and cause quarterbacks to look away from him. His biggest weakness is that he can’t tackle anybody and needs linebacking help on screen passes.
PMC
April 24th, 2012
1:19 pm
Nolan was in Miami not Jacksonville
Hillbilly D
April 24th, 2012
1:22 pm
Pressure from the DL makes your DB’s better. That’s where they need to concentrate.
Deep South Falcon
April 24th, 2012
1:22 pm
I have a sneaky belief that we may get Samuel, and then TD may turn around and trade Grimes for a 1st rounder or 2nd rounder to another team. This is the only thing that makes since, why would Grimes sign his tender with just the threat of the Falcons acquiring another CB. Remember, the Falcons cannot trade anybody that is not under contract, and now Grimes is…Just saying…..
Gwinnett Fred
April 24th, 2012
1:24 pm
Key here is that if it DOESN’T happen, it’s not the Falcons fault. A lot needs to go right and they need a LOT of cooperation with reworking contracts for this to happen, so I just hope fans don’t sour on TD if it falls to the wayside!
Jimmy Crack
April 24th, 2012
1:31 pm
Who cares how they do this deal (or any other), JUST WIN, BABY!
Nolan will keep Samuel in check. Besides, everybody chills out after they move here (except Jeff George, of course).
Jeff Schultz
April 24th, 2012
1:32 pm
Folks — I’ll be doing a rewrite/update of column including a pretty good quote from Matt Ryan on Asante Samuel. Hope to have it done in next hour.
waynester
April 24th, 2012
1:32 pm
Left coast
If we want Doug martin, we’ll have to trade UP–only a miracle of other teams’ stupidity would allow him to fall to #55, much less round 3….
Die Hard Falcon
April 24th, 2012
1:33 pm
Deep South Falcon–
That is exactly what I was thinking. Since the beginning w/ Grimes my hope this offseason was that we’d franchise him and trade him for a 1 or 2. I was worried that we wouldn’t get this done before the draft since he hadn’t signed the tender, but now, we have free range to deal him to the highest bidder and if we can give away 5th or later for Samuel, and get a 2 or better for Grimes, we come out way ahead. Grimes & Samuel are the same type of CB, Samuel has more production though and we’d have a better draft to look forward to, if we pull this off, TD will be my hero again. MR2 will be on NFL Total Access tonight as well, hopefully there’ll be a lot of Falcons news to discuss w/ him, like these moves and maybe an Aubrayo Franklin signing?
Go Falcons!!!
mark
April 24th, 2012
1:34 pm
please pleaseee get asante it would be a sick cb group, plus we face the best of the best this year! we need that player!
ajc sports fan
April 24th, 2012
1:39 pm
Love it..get’er done TD……….
Roy
April 24th, 2012
1:44 pm
I woundn’t do it if we can put some pressure on the QB the DB’s will be great!
Dr. Warren
April 24th, 2012
1:47 pm
Let Baker go. Even if we had no left tackle to replace him and left that space on the field blank (!), at least we’d be spared his penalties.
Wes
April 24th, 2012
1:47 pm
Eagles lost their star Left Tackle in the Offseason, sure they got Bell, but why not give him some competition. They could use a O Tackle with experience, Falcons get a big boost in the secondary. Baker for Samuel: Go go Gadget trade! Start Svitek, draft a tackle in the 3rd round (We were probably going to draft an O-lineman anyway). The Eagles may be more willing to look past Baker’s short-comings, they have a mobile left-handed QB.
Just saying..
April 24th, 2012
1:47 pm
Thanks from a fan for having good sources, Jeff. Big news to me.
And BTW, many ATL fans would appreciate TD and Frank Wren more, if they only had a better understanding of the GMs INO who have floated through here over the years.
jtb
April 24th, 2012
1:57 pm
Mark,
Could Dunta Robinson possibly be converted to some sort of corner/safety hybrid type role? Seems like he has the body type and we all know he loves going for big hits.
Terrell
April 24th, 2012
2:19 pm
For those that want Samuel just beware of what you ask for. The reason why the Eagles are trying to trade him is 1. He cost too much and 2. He doesn’t fit their scheme. He excelled in playing zone coverages but when the Eagles shifted from a cover 2 scheme to trying to play more man he struggled. Their big CB acquistions last year was to help shift from zone to man.
Here, we are trying to do the very same thing. Just like Robinson struggled in zone the last two years we expect him to excel in this more aggressive man scheme. Asante doesn’t play man as well as he does zone.
Drew
April 24th, 2012
2:24 pm
Any chance the Falcons aquire Asante’ and then dangle Grimes for maybe a 2nd round pick? Rumopr was that some people in the organization were not happy he sat out the giants playoff game last season.
falco 1
April 24th, 2012
2:25 pm
Please make this trade. TD make your mark on the offseason with this trade.. Although I wanted falcons to pick Jenoris jenkins ill take asante anyday… I feel sorry for Owens and franks
falco 1
April 24th, 2012
2:29 pm
I c people have forgotten about robinson.. in Houston he playd straight bump n run man coverage ..in atl he prolly hasnt playd man period thanks to tha weak zone coverage that we playd every passing down.. Mike nolan will make us a top 5 defense
Najeh Davenpoop
April 24th, 2012
2:36 pm
I watched every Eagles game last year. Samuel can be a game-changing playmaker, which the Falcons desperately need. He also gambles a lot and gets burned. They lost the game against the Cardinals last year almost solely because Samuel kept gambling against Fitzgerald in the 2nd half and got burned over and over again.
He is good, but he is a lot like DeAngelo Hall. It can be a good trade, but the Falcons better supplement that with a much better pass rush than they had last year, so that QBs get forced into bad throws and more of Samuel’s gambles can pay off.
Also, I think I’m probably a bigger Grimes fan than most Falcons fans, but replacing him with Samuel (which is probably what will happen, since they just restructured Robinson) isn’t much of an upgrade in my opinion. Grimes has his own limitations but he is more fundamentally sound than Samuel.
Drew
April 24th, 2012
2:41 pm
Samuel might not be much of an upgrade over Grimes, but if he restructures he could be cheaper and the Falcons could get a pretty decent pick by trading Grimes.
doggoneit
April 24th, 2012
2:49 pm
Grimes is a play maker! We should be real good this year!!
Glenn
April 24th, 2012
2:51 pm
I have a question . If the Eagle will take a low pick for Asante Samuel why is there not more action on the Asante Samuel from . Why is this not a Peyton style sweepstakes . Is it because he is over thirty and over paid ? Seriously . If this is such a good move why are the Falcons from what I can tell basically the only team involved ? Just asking .
Backseat GM
April 24th, 2012
2:52 pm
There is teeth to this story -> http://sports.yahoo.com/news/ap-source-falcons-hope-acquire-154851513–nfl.html
Let's Go
April 24th, 2012
2:52 pm
Stupid move, don’t do it. Samuel is not that good anymore and has a big contract and has proven to be a problem in the locker room. 10 mil a year for a nickle back who is a legend in his own mind is a waste. Wait and see who is released after the draft if you still need a corner.
Gdog
April 24th, 2012
2:55 pm
yeah and you wrote the same crap about getting dunta. that worked out soo well
Live and in Color
April 24th, 2012
3:00 pm
LOL…I am in tears reading the masses harp on about how great it would be to get another over the hill former play maker..kinda like Mike Peterson 2.0 LOL….. But thats the Falcons way.. Trade Next years this years number 2 and next years number 2 and 3 and then tell the fans that it makes you more “explosive”…… He might want to figure out how to get someone on the line to move the line of scrimmage. Use those picks with the aim of getting that forth and 1 when it counts…..
Elijah Snow
April 24th, 2012
3:13 pm
Obviously, whether this is a good acquisition or not will depend greatly on what we give up to get Samuel and whether we can sign Grimes to a more cap-friendly contract. However…
I just want to give props to Jeff Schultz for writing a column about the Falcons’ offseason that seems to contain real reporting. For the first time this year, I feel like I’ve learned something legit and interesting about the Falcons’ plans that wasn’t either a story about re-signing our own players or regurgitating whatever TD says. Nice work, JS. Can we have more of this kind of thing?
Jeff Schultz
April 24th, 2012
3:24 pm
Peeps — Column updated. I don’t think deal is going to get done today but I do think it’s going to happen at some point (presumably before the draft, since it would involve a pick this year). Right now I think it’s about making numbers work in salary cap.
mountain_jim
April 24th, 2012
3:43 pm
Appreciate your coverage and opinions on this development, Jeff.
Finally something to talk about Falcons-wise other than the no-round-one-pick upcoming draft.
mountain_jim
April 24th, 2012
3:43 pm
Appreciate your coverage and opinions on this development, Jeff.
Finally something to talk about Falcons-wise other than the no-round-one-pick upcoming draft.
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.
Megan
April 25th, 2012
1:50 pm
Stupid move…Just like Julio Jones…both will not pan out, wait and see!
Gdog
April 25th, 2012
1:54 pm
just like atlanta teams. buy washed up old players. watch him get hurt in preseason training or game 1 of the season. bet the guy won’t play more than 6 games. he misses 3 last year
ajc sports fan
April 25th, 2012
2:28 pm
Great move..just like 1st round pick.
JSS
April 25th, 2012
6:15 pm
Would have loved to see this move three years ago when everyone with a brain cell was clamoring for it… But like I said on Bradley’s blog, everyone with clear vision of the Falcons true defensive problems is seeing this trade for what it is worth. Unless they vastly step up their D-Line play (the means a pass rush that finishes sack opportunities) and produce a substantial upgrade in the coverage & reaction ability of Thomas DeCoud, nothing will really improve… Otherwise, it becomes another Joe Horn scenario when you think you only a piece away from a full bucket of KFC. Actually you bought a 8 piece of Church’s! Go ask Hakeem Nicks, that is a fact…
Asante Who?
April 26th, 2012
12:56 am
His best days are behind…another washed up cornerback who still falls for the okie doke “double move” eagles let him go for practically nothing for a 7th rounder…now, the falcons have 3 overrated and overpaid cornerbacks in the secondary…nothing exciting about this trade