Falcons On The Cusp Of Re-Signing Tyson Clabo

by Dave Choate on Jul 27, 2011 7:30 AM EDT in Falcons News

Given an exclusive negotiating window with their own free agents, the Falcons are wasting absolutely no time. According to Yahoo's Jason Cole, they're rapidly closing in on a deal with Tyson Clabo.

Clabo, who is 29 years old as I write this, has been the team's starting right tackle for the last three seasons. He's played and started every single game over that span, and in the process has endeared himself to Mike Smith and the coaching staff by generally being a big ol' nasty tackle. He also punched his first Pro Bowl ticket in 2010.

Confronted with three starters who are all free agents at exactly the same time, the Falcons knew they would have to make some tough choices along the offensive line. Apparently, they weren't quite willing to trust the right edge to Garrett Reynolds, Jose Valdez or whatever free agent they could pluck off the vine. So if all goes well, the job will come back to Clabo, who will likely get a four or five year deal and be paid handsomely for that privilege.

I went back and forth on Clabo all off-season, but I'll be glad if he comes back. He's been stone solid outside for the bulk of the last three seasons, clearly wants to be in Atlanta and will keep Matt Ryan's bookends intact. He's a damn fine tackle, and 2010 likely won't be his last Pro Bowl.

I do wonder what happens with Justin Blalock and Harvey Dahl from here. My preference is to sign Blalock, but the much beloved anonymous sources around the team indicate that they're looking to lock up Dahl. There's virtually no way the team gets all three guys, so whichever guard walks will probably be replaced by either Mike Johnson or rookie and former president Andrew Jackson.

Either way, I'll be happy to welcome Clabo back into the fold. Will you?

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Comments

Hell yes!

I wanted Clabo back, the guy is just such an important part of what we do on offense.

by Alex Sarson on Jul 27, 2011 7:33 AM EDT reply actions

Great news!!!!!

Love Clabo. I wish we could keep Blalock too.

by mr92687!!! on Jul 27, 2011 7:35 AM EDT reply actions

This has to gp down.

Or we’re screwed.

Rule #1: Double tap.

by Ball Hawk on Jul 27, 2011 7:50 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

I laughed my ass off

When I saw former president.
Thats what happens with 2 hours of sleep.

by FlyYouFalcons on Jul 27, 2011 8:04 AM EDT reply actions

Who could resist though?!?

Yeah, knowing that Jackson’s name would have to come up, with our O-line free agency situation, I’ve been waiting for a president joke all week.

Be good and be good to yourself -MASE-

by Ma$e on Jul 27, 2011 8:17 AM EDT up reply actions

I knew it would come,

but all I care about is if he can perform…

by FlyYouFalcons on Jul 27, 2011 8:20 AM EDT up reply actions

We've been underpaying this guy for three years on one-year deals

So I think it’s only fair to overpay him a little, and give his family some long term stability.

by TheAreopagite on Jul 27, 2011 8:23 AM EDT reply actions

I believe this report was false. The Clabo camp said they weren't close.

Reminds me of the CBA deal

by Fear Me on Jul 27, 2011 8:29 AM EDT reply actions

This is true

DOL tweeted that he spoke to Clabo’s agent on the phone who reported they were not close to a deal.

As I mentioned last night, that could be a tactic by the agent to let other teams know that they’re still listening. If a deal isn’t done by now, it would seem likely that Clabo and his agents are intent on hearing offers from other teams.

by KMarch on Jul 27, 2011 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions

I don't blame them. I would listen to other offers too but I'm sure the

Falcons FO is looking at OT younger free agents that may come in to challenge Reynolds for the ROT postion. Much of what they do hinges on whether or not they sign Clabo. If Clabo doesn’t sign, then does that mean they go after Blalock only?

by Fear Me on Jul 27, 2011 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions

Take that with a grain of salt

It’s in the camp/agent’s best interests to deny a deal is close.

by Dave Choate on Jul 27, 2011 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions

Am I the only one

…that thinks he’s been a douche all off-season?

I’m excited (about free agency)," Clabo said via telephone Thursday evening. “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. But, I don’t really know if I will get there because, hopefully, Atlanta will do what they need to do to keep me.”

Just sounds the bitchiest way to say “I hope we get a deal done.”

I can’t think of any other examples right now, it’s just a pervasive feeling I’ve gotten from his camp all summer long. Or maybe I’m just letting his player rep status get to me? I dunno.

Smokey says: Only you can BVG forest fires.

by VaderX5 on Jul 27, 2011 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions

Yeah I can see you you'd take it that way

but mostly, it’s typical posturing by FAs.

by KMarch on Jul 27, 2011 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah

I know his job right now is to get enough money to live off of for the next 40 years, but most of the time players and their agents try to win the PR battle. Clabo seems intent on making it only about money. I guess it’s always about money, but as a player, saying so turns the fans against you. (or at least it does in NYC or Philly; in ATL the people either don’t know or don’t care)

Smokey says: Only you can BVG forest fires.

by VaderX5 on Jul 27, 2011 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Falcons Sign Nicholas

5 Year Deal

Schefter Reporting!

by KMarch on Jul 27, 2011 9:57 AM EDT reply actions

Yesyesyes

by FlyYouFalcons on Jul 27, 2011 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions

Just saw that too. And he'll start which will make our LB corp one of the most athletic

young and experienced. Good to see one of the FA sign.

by Fear Me on Jul 27, 2011 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions

Like Clabo but nervous

putting a “new” guy next to Baker.

A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.

by FrozenFinger on Jul 27, 2011 9:58 AM EDT reply actions

I really don't want that either. That's why I prefer to sign Blalock

first, especially on the blindside. Then go after Clabo.

by Fear Me on Jul 27, 2011 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions

Pressure may be on Clabo.

If his agent dicks around, it may enable the Falcons to sign Dahl AND Blaylock (the less desired guys in FA) for less than market value, enabling Clabo to walk. Valdez and Reynolds can be very solid, given the playtime. Remember… Clabo was a NOBODY who became solid with reps.

Garret may be too “nice”… Jose has no such handicap.

by Mnemonic on Jul 27, 2011 10:51 AM EDT reply actions

With the low ink value on the Nicks contract

we may be able to keep all 3 now. Either way, I would sign the guys on the blindside first and then Clabo, if he wanted a ton of moolah then walk buddy, their are other guys that can turn into you too, if given the reps.

Due to the lockout, I think this season will resemble last year a lot. I think the teams that were good last year will be good again this year. there will be a suprise team or 2, but I think this year kinda follows last years script, except of course the team that wins the SB will be different, since our Falcons will finally take that last final step and bring home the Lombardi trophy to the dirty dirty!!

by ATLsince1972 on Jul 27, 2011 11:04 AM EDT reply actions

I wonder if we are getting any discounts from players?

You know, just to stay put and not have to move around with such a short offseason? If the Clabo deal comes out for less than 4-5 years and 40 million then yeah, these guys are giving discounts, and props to Falcons FO for seizing the opportunity to lock up guys long term for lower annual salaries. See Nicholas

by ATLsince1972 on Jul 27, 2011 11:07 AM EDT reply actions