In the first season of general manager Thomas Dimitroff’s regime, the Falcons stressed taking care of their own players.
They signed defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux and wide receiver Michael Jenkins to contract extensions in November 2008. Also, the Falcons signed wide receiver Roddy White to a contract extension, after a brief holdout, before the 2009 season.
Because they have some issues to address on defense and must sign a high first-round draft pick, the Falcons may not be able to re-sign some of their key starters during an abbreviated free-agency period, if the league settles its labor dispute.
If the Falcons pursue a defensive end in free agency, it is unlikely that they can afford to re-sign all three of their starting offensive linemen who are free agents. Pro Bowl right tackle Tyson Clabo, is the top rated free agent at his position by ESPN’s Mel Kiper. Right guard Harvey Dahl is the No. 3 rated free-agent guard, and left guard Justin Blalock, No. 5 rated guard.
“I’m excited [about free agency],” Clabo said via telephone Thursday. “It’s something that I felt that I’d earned last year and didn’t get. So the prospect of actually getting there is exciting. ... hopefully, Atlanta will do what they need to do to keep me.”
So, should they “Sign” or “Not sign” Clabo? Here’s are look at the Falcons’ prospective free agents and the answers to that question:
Justin Blalock
Outlook: He was drafted in the second round (39th overall) of the 2007 draft. He struggled his rookie season, but things starting to come together for him under veteran NFL line coach Paul Boudreau. He’s extremely durable and has started 62 of a possible 64 regular-season games. Also, Blalock had a 41 on the Wonderlic test, so he’s able to digest game plans and is rarely out of position.
Sign or not sign: He will likely receive a higher offer and sign elsewhere.
Matt Bryant
Outlook: He turned 36 in May, but made 28 of 31 field goals last season, including three game-winners. The Falcons would like to have him back.
Sign or not sign: Sign
Tyson Clabo
Outlook: Tennessee’s David Stewart and Miami’s Vernon Carey are the two highest paid right tackles in the league with average salaries of $6.5 and $7 million per yer. So, when the two sides exchange proposals, Clabo’s side likely will submit numbers similar to the Stewart and Carey deals.
Sign or Not sign: He will likely not be re-signed if the team can land a defensive end.
Harvey Dahl
Outlook: The right guard has started 43 of 48 games since winning the starting job in 2008. He suffered an ankle injury that required surgery in 2009. Dahl has developed into a tenacious run blocker. Kiper rates him No. 3 behind New England’s Logan Mankins and Tampa Bay’s Davin Joseph.
Sign or not sign: Sign
Brent Grimes
Outlook: He blossomed into a Pro Bowl cornerback last season as teams elected to stay away from Dunta Robinson’s side of the field. In 2010, Grimes was targeted a league-high 119 times by opponents (according to STATS, Inc.) Grimes answered the challenge, posting an NFC-best and a franchise-record 23 passes defensed to go with his five interceptions. He has hired big-time agents Tom Condon and Ben Dogra and is looking for a lucrative long-term deal.
Sign or not sign: Sign. He is in line for an extension during the season.
Michael Koenen
Outlook: The kickoff specialist and punter has been a valuable member of the special teams since 2005. But by drafting a punter, Miami’s Matt Bosher, the Falcons may have signaled the end to Koenen’s days in Atlanta. The new rule change, which will move the kickoff to the 35-yard line and may result in almost automatic touchbacks, robbed Koenen, Kiper’s No. 1 punter, of one of his bargaining chips.
Sign or not sign: Not sign
Stephen Nicholas
Outlook: The strongside linebacker elected not to sign a tender offer before the lockout started and has switched agents. He wants a long-term deal and doesn’t want to play under a one-year contract, if possible. Nicholas has started 25 games over the past two seasons and has played in 65 games over his career.
Sign or don’t sign: Sign
Jerious Norwood
Outlook: He’s talented, but has been injury-prone. Out of a possible 80 regular-season games, he has played in 57. Norwood has recovered from the knee injury he suffered on the opening kickoff of the 41-7 pasting of the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 19. “He’s ready to go play,” said Bus Cook, Norwood’s agent. “Somebody is going to get him real quick. I’m sure there are other teams that will want him.” The Falcons drafted running back Jacquizz Rodgers in the fifth round of the 2011 draft.
Sign or not sign: Not sign
Mike Peterson
Outlook: The old hitting machine turned 35 in June. But because of how the Falcons rest veteran players, Peterson believes he has another two years left. Peterson, who plays weakside linebacker on first and second downs, has been vital to the run defense.
Sign or not sign: Sign
Jason Snelling
Outlook: When the backfield was hit with a rash of injuries over the past two seasons, Snelling stepped up. In 2009, Michael Turner missed half of the season, and Snelling rushed for 613 yards on 142 carries and caught 30 passes for 259 yards. In 2010, after Norwood went down, Snelling finished third on the team with 44 receptions. He also had 627 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns. In addition to backing up Turner, he backs up fullback Ovie Mughelli and is a key special-teams player.
Sign or not sign: He’s too versatile and dependable not to re-sign.
Eric Weems
Outlook: The returner/receiver had a breakthrough season in 2010 and was named to the Pro Bowl. In addition to being the team’s returner, Weems was the top special-teams tackler on the coverage units, with 16. His role on offense could expand as the team is searching for ways to make more explosive plays. “When they have given him a chance to work in the slot, he’s showed up,” said James Christopher Martin, Weems’ agent.
Sign or not sign: Sign
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