FLOWERY BRANCH – Falcons general manager did everything he could to temper expectations when free agency started.
With news trickling out about deals being reached by defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and the Dolphins, cornerback Byron Maxwell and the Eagles and linebacker Sean Weatherspoon and the Cardinals, the Falcons GMs on Twitter, are disappointed that they team has not made a big splash move after cutting Harry Douglas, Steven Jackson, Justin Blalock and Jonathan Massaquoi, who was picked up by Tennessee.
The cut-downs led to our Michael Cunningham and local radio personality Carl Dukes to call for the Falcons to jump in the Suh derby. Columnist Jeff Schultz tried to tell everyone that would be too costly.
Dimitroff was very clear about the team’s approach to free agency.
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
“One of the things about free agency that we know is that there tends to be ramped up expectations,” Dimitroff said. “I think Dan (Quinn) is going to make sure that’s not the issue here and that’s not the approach.
“It’s about making sure that we get people who fit into our system. We’re not going to be making a big deal about it. We’re not going to have a lot of pomp and circumstances about our acquisitions. It’s about making sure that they fit in with this football team.”
Here's a story on how Dimitroff's approach to free agency has evolved.
So far, the Falcons, as we reported last week, have contacted safety Ron Parker and according to an espn.com report have expressed interest in Houston linebacker Brooks Reed.
Others players on the team’s radar screen include Pittsburgh’s defensive end Jason Worilds, Pittsburgh linebacker Arthur Moats, St. Louis tight end Lance Kendricks.
Here's a partial look at the Falcons' free agency board.
A couple other potential targets, Washington tight end Niles Paul and New York Jets linebacker David “The Hitman” Harris were re-signed by their former teams.
In addition to letting Weatherspoon walk out the door, cornerback Robert McClain found a hearty market during the legal tampering period. Four teams have called about his services.
The New York Giants have checked in on running back Antone Smith.
FALCONS POTENTIAL UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
G-T Gabe Carimi -- will not be re-signed.
CB Robert McClain -- has drawn interests from four teams including the Dolphins and Saints.
DT Corey Peters is headed for free agency. Team has a lot of cash tied up in Tyson Jackson and Paul Soliai. Also, snaps would free up for development of Rashede Hageman.
About the Author
