‘Tough’ Davis returns to fold

Defensive end Chauncey Davis agreed to a four-year contract with the Falcons on Tuesday, his agent, Kevin Conner, told the Journal-Constitution.

Davis’ deal is worth $14 million, with nearly $8 million due in the first two years of the contract.

Davis was a 2005 fourth-round draft pick from Florida State. He is the first player the Falcons let enter free agency this offseason but re-signed.

The Falcons have lost three players who were mostly full-time starters: cornerback Domonique Foxworth and linebackers Keith Brooking and Michael Boley. Also, the team has stated that starting safety Lawyer Milloy will not be re-signed.

With Davis’ signing, free-agent defensive end Mike Montgomery’s visit with the Falcons, scheduled for Tuesday, was canceled.

The Falcons will use Davis as part of their defensive line rotation. He played mostly left end last season, and end Jamaal Anderson slid inside to tackle in passing situations.

Davis had 35 tackles (27 solo), four sacks, three fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and one pass defensed last season.

“Chauncey is a guy that we obviously would like to have back this year,” Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said before the NFL’s free agency period. “Chauncey is a tough, hard-nosed football player, and we feel that he will continue to contribute to us.”

Davis was much more active than Anderson in the Falcons’ one-gap scheme, which is designed to cause havoc in the backfield. Davis has played in 63 games, making 18 starts, and has eight career sacks. He also has recovered seven fumbles and returned one for a touchdown.

The Falcons had an advantage with Davis, who wanted to stay with his good friend, defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux, who signed a five-year extension in November.

“He’s pretty excited,” Conner said. “Of course he’s thrilled with the fact that he doesn’t have to uproot and he’s going to get a chance to compete.”

Conner previously said that Davis wanted to start.

“[Coach Mike Smith] gave him a call,” Conner said. “Their main objective is to put the best 11 players on the field. That would give him an opportunity to compete. He believes in [defensive line coach] Ray Hamilton and believes the opportunity will be there.”

The Falcons announced that they have re-signed unrestricted free agent linebacker Tony Gilbert and exclusive rights free agents running back Jason Snelling, cornerback Brent Grimes and defensive back Antoine Harris. Also, as the AJC reported last week, the Falcons announced the re-signing of tight end Justin Peelle, defensive tackle Jason Jefferson, safety Jamaal Fudge and linebacker Coy Wire.