Falcons have tough decisions at linebacker

The Falcons and long-time linebacker and local icon Keith Brooking are at the crossroad.

One path leads to him returning and having a chance to retain his starting position.

The other leads out of town.

“Keith has been a long-time vital contributor on this team and in the community of Atlanta and is respected a great deal,” Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said. “We as a staff are still contemplating what may be in the best interest of this football team, both from a fiscal and team-building standpoint.”

A playing-time requirement triggered a clause that made the last year of Brooking’s contract voidable. Unless he can reach a deal, Brooking, the former Georgia Tech and East Coweta High legend, is set to become an unrestricted free agent Feb. 27.

The Falcons and Brooking’s agent, Pat Dye Jr., acknowledge that talks have been underway to retain him.

What the Falcons do with Brooking, a weakside linebacker, and Michael Boley, a strongside linebacker, will determine just how active they are in free agency and in the draft at the linebacker position.

One school of thought is that Brooking has given so much to the franchise through six head coaches and several defensive coordinators that he has earned the right to continue his career here.

Another school of thought is that it’s time for the Falcons to move on and find a weakside linebacker with better speed and striking ability.

Rookie middle linebacker Curtis Lofton had a solid season and appears to have huge potential. Coy Wire, who took over for Boley on rushing downs, is set to become a free agent, but is close to agreeing to terms with the Falcons, according to his agent.

Wire added some pop to the run defense late in the season.

“We would love to have Coy back here,” Dimitroff said. “He embodies what we are looking for as far as urgency, as far as urgent and consistent football here.”

Lofton came out on passing downs. He will have to take over more nickel and dime responsibilities if Brooking and Boley leave via free agency.

“He continued to grow very well as the season went on,” Dimitroff said. “He developed in so many different areas, in pass, run and special teams. He’s carried himself like a veteran pro as the season went on.”

The Falcons will look to Lofton for more leadership as he might have to take over play-calling duties if Brooking leaves.

“He has personally embraced the idea of being one of the leaders on defense,” Dimitroff said. “We’re excited about having him be one of those leaders on our defense.”

Boley, once considered a future Pro Bowler, appears set to hit the free-agency market.

“Michael obviously had patience with us through last year, and we appreciated it,” Dimitroff said. “We are continuing to evaluate that situation at this point.”

Some marquee linebackers — such as Terrell Suggs, Jonathan Vilma and Leroy Hill (who played at Baldwin High School in Milledgeville) — are set to become free agents, but the overall class is not deep at the position.

This year’s draft is good overall on defensive, with lots of talent of linebacker. The Falcons showed last year that with a veteran coaching staff young players can be groomed quickly.

If Falcons elect to take a linebacker in the first round with the 24th pick, USC’s Brian Cushing and Virginia’s Clint Sintim could still be on the board.

The Falcons could wait to address the position in the second round with Ohio State’s Marcus Freeman, who projects as a weakside linebacker or with USC’s Clay Matthews, who is an overachiever type, the son of the former Falcon of the same name and the nephew of Hall of Fame center Bruce Matthews.

Dimitroff said the Falcons’ decisions will not be emotionally driven. Last season, the Falcons jettisoned some popular longtime veterans and former Pro Bowlers in Warrick Dunn and Alge Crumpler.

Now, it might be the end of the road for Brooking and Boley.