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Thursday, July 24, 2008
Baker, Lofton entering “Holdout Zone”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With less than 30 hours before the Falcons open training camp, the team has officially entered the ‘Holdout Zone’.
After turning the first round upside down with the $72 million signing of quarterback Matt Ryan, the Falcons appear to be waiting for the market to settle around left tackle Sam Baker (21st overall) and second round middle linebacker Curtis Lofton.
It’s not big deal if they don’t report with the rest of the squad between 2-5 p.m. on Friday, but it’s absolutely imperative that both of the rookies are on the field at 8:30 a.m. Saturday for the first practice.
Both could land starting spots, but need the action so they can earn their spots and win the respect of the veterans and the coaching staff.
Signings in the middle of the first round have been slow. Detroit signed Gosder Cherilus, the 17th pick, to a five-year deal. Baltimore signed quarterback Joe Flacco, to a five-year, $30 million deal.
Last season’s 21st pick, safety Reggie Nelson, signed a five-year deal worth $9.55 million with Jacksonville.
Baker’s agent and the Falcons have been mum all week, but Ben Dogra’s firm, Creative Arts Agency, worked well with the Falcons on the Ryan deal and know the importance of Baker being in camp on time.
The end of the first round is settled with tight end Dustin Keller, the 30th pick, signing a 5-year, $12 million deal with the New York Jets.
Safety Kenny Phillips, the 31st pick, signed a five-year deal worth $11.15 with the New York Giants.
Lofton is represented by local super agent Todd France of F.A.M.E (France Athlete Management Enterprises), who also has a good working relationship with the Falcons.
Last season’s 37th pick, safety Eric Weddle, signed a four-year contract with San Deigo that included $2.5 million in guarantees.
Expect the signings to pick up over the next 30 hours as the Falcons can not afford to left Baker and Lofton slip into the ‘Holdout Zone.’
Can the Falcons afford to let the market settle or must they be proactive and get these rookie deals done?
(Join Falcons beat writer Steve Wyche for a live two-hour blog as the team prepares to open its 2008 training camp. Wyche will be online Friday from noon-2 p.m. to answer your questions about this year’s team.
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