Falcons in trade talks with Detroit over Chris Houston

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Less than 24 hours after signing cornerback Dunta Robinson, the Falcons confirmed they are in "discussions" to trade cornerback Chris Houston to the Detroit Lions.

Houston appears ready to be moved to the Lions for an undisclosed draft pick.

The completion of the deal revolves around the compensation the Falcons would receive and some trade language. The Falcons could receive an undisclosed draft pick and perhaps switch positions with the Lions in another draft round.

The trade rumors had the Falcons talking to each other on twitter Sunday night. Pro Bowl wide receiver Roddy White and tight end Tony Gonzalez traded messages.

White wrote, "@TonyGonzalez88 we have not lost anyone yet that (you) know. We added Dunta Robinson and we may trade Chris Houston so we improving the D."

Houston, 25, finished last season on injured reserve after suffering a hamstring injury. He was a second-round pick (41st overall) for the Falcons in 2007, and has started 37 of 44 games over his Atlanta career.

He became expendable after the signing of Robinson to a six-year, $57 million contract. In addition to Robinson, the Falcons re-signed cornerback Brian Williams, who opened last season as the starting left cornerback before suffering a season-ending knee injury.

The Falcons were happy with how cornerbacks Christopher Owens and Brent Grimes played down the stretch of last season.

The team's pass defense, which ranked 28th in the league last season after giving up 241.9 yards per game, was slated for offseason personnel upgrades.

Houston, who has three career interceptions, played well at times, but appeared to struggle while playing the ball in the air. He nearly was benched in 2008 for his lack of physical play.