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Ain't No Such Thing As A "Free" Agent

As promised, here's me breaking down the Falcons' top free agent choices into tasty, bite-sized morsels. If you chew them over carefully, you can actually taste the money we're going to be throwing at them. Delicious, I say.

A word of caution about this. Unlike the AJC's D. Orlando Ledbetter, I'm not looking for the biggest name guys out there. I'm looking at reasonably young, talented dudes who have a chance to be part of the Falcons' full scale overhaul. Keep that in mind as you read this.

OL David Stewart, Restricted/Titans: The Titans are wooing this massive tackle, a 25 year-old mauler who would instantly transform our line into something vaguely resembling respectable. The team could easily line he and Clabo up at either end and call that part of the rebuilding effort done. As Hamburger notes, he's a tough kid, and I'll add that he's not just a blob of jelly. He has good footwork and terrific instincts, and his Rotoworld photo makes him look like he's contemplating eating you.

The big drawback here is that Stewart has already been tendered by the Titans for a first round pick. The Falcons brass would have to think long and hard about how much Stewart is actually worth, but if the team could finagle a first round pick for Hall and turn it into a promising tackle, I'd sign off on it.

Reasonable Alternative: Rex Hadnot (C), Trai Essex (T)

Madieu Williams, S, Unrestricted: Frankly, Madieu, I don't give a damn! Ha ha! Hilarious, right?

...Hey, screw you guys.

The 26 year old safety is not known as the hardest hitter in the world, but his coverage skills are pretty damn good. Given Crocker and Milloy's efforts these last two seasons, he couldn't help but be an upgrade. He's still young enough to turn into a harder hitter, too, though I wouldn't count on that. He'd be a nice complement to the freakishly athletic Daren Stone, if the team was wise enough to give the UMaine product a chance. The Vikings are currently high on Madieu, but I see no reason why the Falcons couldn't get him for a fairly reasonable price. I'd like this signing quite a bit.

Reasonable Alternative: Gibril Wilson.

Michael Turner, RB, Unrestricted I can only speculate that the Falcons are freeing up a ton of cap space in order to land at least one big fish, and there's none bigger than Turner. If you can imagine a more deadly tandem than Norwood's blazing speed and Turner's face-crushing power, it probably involves Darren McFadden and his three potential running back children. But I digress.

Turner will not come cheap, which makes him a bit risky. He's shown that he's reasonably durable and has a lot of talent, but there are legitimate questions about how he'll handle a full workload. Splitting carries with Norwood likely isn't his first priority, but it would make both of them more effective. If the Falcons have to bite the bullet on signing one guy, Turner wouldn't be a bad choice.

Reasonable Alternative: Julius Jones, Derrick Ward, Cecil Sapp

D.J. Hackett, WR, Unrestricted: In the interest of full disclosure, I have an epic man crush on Hackett. Injuries are a very, very large concern given his last season, but he's a bit, rangy receiver with surprising speed and excellent hands. He and Roddy would make the QB transition a lot easier, but he also isn't likely to come cheap. Still, if the Falcons can't chase down Turner, Hackett would be more than worth a shot.

He's still only 26, too.

Reasonable Alternative: Bryant Johnson, Ernest Wilford

Colin Cole, DT, Restricted/Packers: Who, you say? I say a 27 year old reserve for the tackle-deep Packers who could probably step into a starting role for us. He's very good against the run and only decent against the pass, but we have two supposedly talented pass rushing ends to make up for that. I think the Falcons would be glad they got Cole, but the second round tender is a little rich. Still, the Falcons are rolling the dice on this position whether they go free agency, trade or draft (short of Ellis or Dorsey), so it might be worth it.

Reasonable Alternative: Not a lot out there that are young and reasonably inexpensive.

Any others you'd like to see on this list?

0 recs  |  Comment 7 comments

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Free Agents
I like the following Free Agents for the Falcons:
OL - OL David Stewart, Restricted/Titans
This guy sounds like the player we need rather than drafting an OL with the 3rd Pick, but only if we can trade D-Hall for a 1st round pick

Nat Dorsey, Unrestricted
This is a big young player that can add depth and bulk to our OL

Safety - Madieu Williams, S, Unrestricted
This would be a very good pickup and should not be expensive

Gibil Wilson, Unrestricted
This is another potential starter and would definite make our secondary better

Corner-Ty Law, Unrestricted
This would be a good pick if we trade D-Hall. He would be more helpful and instructive on the field to the young players than D-Hall

Running Back - Julius Jones, Unrestricted
A proven commodity and his sharing carries with Marion Barber has kept Jones fresh*and hungry to prove he can be the feature back, teamed with Norwood and Snelling

Defensive Tackle-Jimmy Kennedy, Unrestricted
A 28 year old 325 pound run stuffer from Chicago will add experience, bulk and an upgrade to the "promising" Trey Lewis, "A Project"

Richie

by richie on Feb 29, 2008 10:53 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Good news!
The QB position is locked up!  We resigned Chris Redman!

</sarcasm>

In a way, each of us has an El Guapo to face.

by runningback on Feb 29, 2008 11:04 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Turner the Burner!
TURNER TO VISIT FALCONS

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that  the Atlanta Falcons are hosting Chargers running back Michael Turner for a free-agent visit.

Turner is an unrestricted free agent, and he is regarded as the best available running back in free agency.  He would be paired in Atlanta with Jerious Norwood, and Warrick Dunn likely would be traded or released.

As Pat Kirwan of NFL.com pointed out during an NFL Network spot on Thursday that was sullied by the sunshine-and-sleep-deprived mug of yours truly, spending a ton of money on Turner might not be the best move in a year with so many running backs available in free agency.

Kirwan also said that the Lions are expected to make a big push for Turner, who drew raves as the backup to LaDainian Tomlinson.

by VBfalconfan on Feb 29, 2008 11:50 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Josh Brown?
Several sources mention that the Falcons are making a run at Seattle kicker Josh Brown.  Obviously kickers don't make a big a splash during free agency, but I think if this comes to fruition that it would be a pretty significant signing.

Dude has kicked in crappy weather a bunch as of late but has still managed to make 80% of his kicks.  I am sure he wouldn't mind kicking in a dome!

In a way, each of us has an El Guapo to face.

by runningback on Feb 29, 2008 2:25 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Safety - Madieu Williams, S, Unrestricted
Profootballtalk.com reports that the Vikings have signed Madieu Williams for $13 million guaranteed money! That's too much money for a "decent" safety!
Richie

by richie on Feb 29, 2008 3:32 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Addicted
Man, I am totally addicted to ProFootballTalk.com.  While today isn't the norm given the start of free agency, I have visited the Rumor Mill about 30 times today.
In a way, each of us has an El Guapo to face.

by runningback on Feb 29, 2008 4:32 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

www.footballoutsiders.com
great website with great statistical analysis, if that thing is your bag, baby.

by Hamburger on Feb 29, 2008 9:32 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

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