FLOWERY BRANCH — In his first season as general manager, Thomas Dimitroff signed two worthy players to contract extensions to keep them off the free-agent market.
In November 2008, defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux and wide receiver Michael Jenkins received those extensions.
Things were different the next two years. There weren’t any key members with contracts that were about to expire in 2009, and the team was plotting how to acquire tight end Tony Gonzalez from Kansas City. Because of the NFL’s labor situation, the Falcons did not offer any contract extensions last season.
But this year, the Falcons have 20 players, or 37.7 percent of the 53-man roster, in the final year of their contracts. They have key veterans, emerging young players and role players who are in their last year of their contracts.
Center Todd McClure and defensive end John Abraham and Gonzalez are the key veterans.
Over the offseason, with things in a state of flux because of the labor strife, Gonzalez contemplated retirement if the lockout was not lifted. When the labor deal was settled, he decided to play his 15th season. He’ll worry later about his status for a 16th.
“I don’t know yet,” Gonzalez said. “We’re just halfway through. We have eight games left. That will come up, but right now, I’m just trying to get this victory this week and get my back healthy.”
Middle linebacker Curtis Lofton, cornerback Brent Grimes, safety Thomas DeCoud are key emerging players.
Lofton has started since his rookie season in 2008. He leads the team in tackles with 90, according to the coaches’ stats.
Lofton doesn’t suspect that he’ll leave or that the Falcons will let him test free agency.
“This is my final year,” Lofton said. “I love Atlanta, and I believe Atlanta loves me.”
The two sides likely will broach the issue of an extension soon. Other teams have started to work contract extensions with their key players.
Chicago signed center Roberto Garza to a two-year contract extension Tuesday. Buffalo signed quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to a six-year, $59 million contract extension Oct. 28.
“Right now, I’m not too much focused on that,” Lofton said. “I’m just focusing on leading my team and getting wins. At the end of the season or whenever, we’ll handle that later on.”
Securing Lofton is key because he has taken on a leadership role on the defense.
“I think Curtis has had a very solid season for us thus far,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “I think the thing that I’ve noticed the most is his blitzing, and when he’s attacking the quarterback and pressuring, he’s done a really good job.”
Also, Grimes is have a strong season. He’s playing this season after signing a tender offer.
Wide receiver Harry Douglas and defensive end Kroy Biermann are key reserves in the last year of their contracts.
The Falcons’ hands may be tied in working some extensions. They have used 98.6 percent of the $123.3 million salary cap this season, the third highest percentage in the NFL. They have $1.6 million in cap room. Only the New York Giants ($1.5 million) and Pittsburgh ($1.01 million) have less room.
Under Dimitroff, once the team has taken care of its players, they want the flexibility to selectively enter free agency to fill needs. After the lockout, they signed defensive end Ray Edwards, cornerback Kelvin Hayden and safety James Sanders.
“I really believe that having this model here, combined with Mike Smith’s approach as a football coach, the great city of Atlanta, we’ll attract a lot of free agents in the market in years to come,” Dimitroff said.
Other players playing the last year of their contracts include: quarterback Chris Redman, return man Eric Weems, running back Jason Snelling, linebacker Mike Peterson, center Brett Romberg, offensive lineman Kirk Chambers, tight end Michael Palmer, long snapper Joe Zelenka, tight end Reggie Kelly, defensive tackle Vance Walker, Hayden and Sanders.
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