Falcons owner Arthur Blank ready for the start of free agency
FLOWERY BRANCH – As the Falcons try to rebound from a 10-22 record over the past two seasons, owner Arthur Blank is looking forward to the free agency period, which starts on Saturday.
We have a story on the team’s free agency plan that’s running in the Sunday paper, but want to share his quotes with you all.
On the eve of free agency, Blank discussed how he looks at the process of adding veteran players and his level of excitement.
“Evaluating our current roster and then looking at the free agency market for opportunities to fill needs is a precursor to the draft, and obviously both pieces of the puzzle need to be considered together,” Blank said. “It’s exciting from the standpoint that the roster begins to take shape and we’re all looking forward to what it means for the upcoming season.”
Blank is ready to help the football men – head coach Dan Quinn, general manager Thomas Dimitroff and assistant general manager Scott Pioli -- in any capacity.
“Dan, Thomas and Scott are in control of the free agency process, and my role is to understand and support, so if they need me for something during the recruitment process, I’m there for them,” Blank said. “I’m excited about the plan they have in place, and I’m encouraged about how the process is working as they execute this plan and put the roster together.”
While the team is moving forward in free agency, there is nothing new to report on the noise gate investigation, which was concluded in November.
FALCONS STORIES
Falcons to focus on adding another cornerstone
Quinn-Dimitroff partnership off to a strong start
Q&A with Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff on moving forward
Falcons to keep character filter on draft picks
Falcons close to re-signing kicker Matt Bryant
Falcons could target Denver TE Julius Thomas in free agency
Falcons' roster gutting could have big names (i.e. Steven Jackson)
Cutting the Falcons roster -- Should they stay or should they go?
COMBINE STORIES
Bucs appear set to cast future with Jameis Winston
Todd Gurley intriguing prospect to NFL teams
Chris Conley puts on a dazzling show at the combine
Waller, Smelter out to prove NFL standing at the combine
VIDEO DEPARTMENT
Watch: D. Led -- Falcons news at the combine
Watch: NFL Network's Mike Mayock at the combine
Watch: Todd Gurley has interviews set up with 24 NFL teams
Watch: Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff at the combine
Watch: Rams GM Les Snead on the pass-rush talent at the combine
FALCONS COMBINE MEETINGS
Oregon DE Arik Armstead talked scheme with the Falcons
Falcons met with Wake Forest CB Kevin Johnson
Falcons met with Alabama safety Landon Collins
PHOTO GALLERIES
About the Author
Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.
