The Atlanta Falcons And The Franchise Tag

by Dave Choate on Jan 11, 2012 12:00 PM EST in Falcons News

We're way out in front of this particular issue, because that's what a hard-hitting ~~journalism analysis blog~~ writey place like ours does.

The Falcons have been reluctant to use the franchise tag while Thomas Dimitroff has been in charge, and I understand why.

Then again, this is not your typical Falcons off-season. This is an off-season where arguably the best pass rusher in team history (John Abraham), a defensive captain and key run-stopper (Curtis Lofton, a Pro Bowl-caliber cornerback (Brent Grimes) and more are up for free agency. You could let every single one of those guys walk, yes, but the team will suffer in 2012 if that's your choice.

So the franchise tag might be in play. It's sort of a weapon of last resort, given the large single year cost and the animosity it can inspire in the player you use it on. Again, this is not your typical off-season.

If the Falcons feel they need to use it on anybody, I hope it's Lofton. He's an enormously useful run-stopper, decent enough in coverage when he's not being asked to do the impossible and a team leader, and he'll cost less with the tag than either Abraham or Grimes would.

In my eyes its more likely, though, another off-season will pass with no franchise tag being used in the ATL. Dimitroff and the front office have long preferred working out long-term deals and, if necessary, drafting to replace departing talent. Tying up potentially $8-10 million in a single players just isn't their style.

Do you agree?

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Comments

Abraham is out of the question

I don’t think paying ~$10M for a MLB is very smart. It would make a lot more sense to just lock him up long term since he has a lot of intangible value to the organization and defense. I wonder if tagging Grimes and trading him to a team that would give him a long-term deal would be the best move. Hard to tell what the interest in the player like Grimes would be on the open market.

by alxn on Jan 11, 2012 12:13 PM EST reply actions

Yea I think Grimes would love to stay with us...

so tagging him then shopping him around would probably piss him off and it would probably show on the field while hes wearing a Falcons uniform.

by Bigru3 on Jan 11, 2012 12:36 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

I don't think Grimes is coming back

For any number of reasons. He’s been a hugely valuable asset for the Falcons and an inspiring story, but I think this is it.

by Dave Choate on Jan 11, 2012 12:37 PM EST up reply actions

What will we do in the Secondary

We may have to drop Dunta to free up salary room. To make things worse, we have very few picks, maybe we can trade Turner for a pick or two. I dunno. 2012 kinda scares me.

by Falcons1133 on Jan 11, 2012 12:40 PM EST up reply actions

I think you keep Dunta and let Grimes walk

If you go to a more physical scheme, Dunta will be more of an asset. With Franks, Owens, Walls and a potential draft pick coming on board, they should actually be okay back there.

by Dave Choate on Jan 11, 2012 12:45 PM EST up reply actions

So what do we use #2 and #3 on in Draft?

Assuming Lofton, Grimes and Abraham leave? I really hope they are able to resign Lofton.

by Falcons1133 on Jan 11, 2012 12:47 PM EST up reply actions

We're keeping Lofton

I think you have to focus on OLine and possibly a safety in 2nd and 3rd rounds. I’d use rounds 5 thru 7 to see if you can find a developmental project at Tight End, to eventually replace Gonzo.

by The DW on Jan 11, 2012 2:33 PM EST up reply actions

I would say

We get a Guard with the #2 and a tight end with the #3 Gonzalez will only be here for 1 more year time to get someone he can Mentor.

by falcons101 on Jan 11, 2012 9:38 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions

Considering we don't know the coordinators yet

I don’t think we should worry about it

Atlanta will win a championship....someday

by maxxj3 on Jan 11, 2012 1:31 PM EST up reply actions

I think abraham and decoud leave end resign lofton and grimes

The only way we tag someone is if there is real outside intrest in grimes and there is a possibility of him leaving.

"I'm about rings now"
~Arthur Blank

by CollegePark4Life on Jan 11, 2012 12:17 PM EST reply actions

i think

if they cant sign Abe, Grimes and Lofton gets tagged while we try to work out some deal with him

by Erihury on Jan 11, 2012 12:20 PM EST reply actions

Im thinking Dunta will have to restructure his deal...

to stay with us and along with that it should free up some money for the other guys. No way Dunta should be paid 12 mill next year. Also I love Grimes and hes due a contract BUT he is 28 and with the knee I dont think he can expect a huge $ deal. I think,hes awesome and def deserves to be paid just not big money

by Bigru3 on Jan 11, 2012 12:33 PM EST via mobile reply actions

One can only hope

by ovacs on Jan 11, 2012 12:37 PM EST up reply actions

Roddy needs a restructuring too

it won’t happen but it infuriates me that he is making that kind of money and leading the league in drops.

by Falcons1133 on Jan 11, 2012 12:43 PM EST up reply actions

think the fact that he also led the league in Targets is related?

"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein

by orang3b on Jan 11, 2012 1:27 PM EST up reply actions

Roddy White dropped 15 out of 180 targets

The timing of some of those drops is bigger in my mind than the fact that he lead the league in drops. It sounds awful yes but you get 180 targets and catch 100 balls you’ll drop a few from time to time. A stat like this hurts the player more than it hurts you the fan. I believe Roddy will correct this minor issue and be better for it.

by Kushion on Jan 11, 2012 6:06 PM EST up reply actions

where are you getting $12M?

Rotoworld says Dunta is scheduled to get $6 Million in 2012.

"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein

by orang3b on Jan 11, 2012 1:38 PM EST up reply actions

Dunta's going nowhere

by Dave Choate on Jan 11, 2012 2:11 PM EST up reply actions

He has a roster bonus coming for 2012

by The DW on Jan 11, 2012 2:34 PM EST up reply actions

I thought I read somewhere

that that bonus will be deferred to 2013?

by wiesengrund on Jan 11, 2012 5:19 PM EST up reply actions

Ah yes

FO, of course:

Atlanta has $7.62 million in cash committed to the cornerback position in 2012, including $6 million to Dunta Robinson that will become fully guaranteed on the second day of the league year. (Payment of Robinson’s $3 million roster bonus in 2012 is deferred until 2013)

by wiesengrund on Jan 11, 2012 5:20 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

I love rotoworld! My favorite web site. I literally look at MLB and NFL every hr on there.

by Brog on Jan 11, 2012 7:37 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions

Cut: Peria Jerry, Baker, Decoud
Trade turner for a 3rd or 4th
Force Matty Ryan re-negotiate his contract along with Dunta, maybe even Roddy
For the love of god resign: Optimus, and Five-O (they deserve big money, theyve always shown up on sunday)
Tag: Abe

"You can talk about the vacation.... and if you do that, Its unfair.... Its really unfair! Thats my teammate....... Thats my quarterback!

by JJBWgsu on Jan 11, 2012 12:47 PM EST reply actions

Need to resign Snelling

if we cut Turner.

No need to cut Decoud, his contract is up.

Ryan and Roddy wouldn’t renegotiate. Besides Ryans contract up next year. They need to focus on working out a long term deal with him.

by Falcons1133 on Jan 11, 2012 12:53 PM EST up reply actions

Trade Turner (not cut) I mean

by Falcons1133 on Jan 11, 2012 12:53 PM EST up reply actions

Ryan was the best in the offense.

I doubt he will re-negotiate to a lower contract. If Falcons force him to re-negotiate Matt will be gone some where else. Roddy should probably renegotiate a contract to reflect the money a possession receiver makes in the league. Roddy held out to get paid like top 5 receiver.

It's all about Process...

by Vishnu_falcon on Jan 11, 2012 1:14 PM EST up reply actions

What are you playing fantasy football lol

by Bigru3 on Jan 11, 2012 2:30 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

REC'D!!

by Kushion on Jan 11, 2012 6:08 PM EST up reply actions

I just don't see them using the Franchise Tag

Dimitroff’s known for not being a fan of using it and there isn’t a contract situation where I see its needed. They’ll either resign a player or that player will be gone.

by mr92687!!! on Jan 11, 2012 1:07 PM EST reply actions

I think the last guy we used it on was Koenon

by aces666high on Jan 11, 2012 3:53 PM EST up reply actions

Depends on the DC and changes.

It would all depends on the DC and if the falcons want to move to a 3-4 Defense. Probably Falcons will work out a deal with Curtis Lofton, he is heart of the Falcons defense. Curtis Lofton could probably agree to a 5 Year 30 M $ deal. It would be a tough choice between Abe and Grimes. The pass rush with out Abe would probably take a bigger hit than secondary with out grimes.

It's all about Process...

by Vishnu_falcon on Jan 11, 2012 1:10 PM EST reply actions

4-3

Mike Smith is a 4-3 guy, not to mention theres no way they can reshape the defense into a 3-4 with the personnel we have(we would need a NT, rush ends/LBs- we have spoon who would be great for this, and man to man corners). Mike Smith and TD would be fired by the time that defense shapes up.

"You can talk about the vacation.... and if you do that, Its unfair.... Its really unfair! Thats my teammate....... Thats my quarterback!

by JJBWgsu on Jan 11, 2012 2:03 PM EST up reply actions

Lofton

will definitely be resigned. Abe will only be resigned if he agrees to a short term contract. 2 years maybe. As for Grimes, I think it depends on what he’ll accept. He shouldn’t get paid like Revis or the other top tier corners. However, if he’ll accept the money of a top second tier corner, then he’ll stay.

by DenverFalcon on Jan 11, 2012 1:26 PM EST reply actions

Without a doubt, it's Lofton if the "Tag" is used this year!!

"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders

"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster

by Blood_Talon on Jan 11, 2012 1:42 PM EST reply actions

The ONLY Pass Rusher

we have should be resigned somehow and that is Abraham. Imagine a season with no sacks? That is what you’ll have. To think that TD will find a pass rusher in this years draft is beyond laughable.

Good luck with this GM and the mounting problems caused by his poor draft and FA selections.

by Whopper Dawg on Jan 11, 2012 3:46 PM EST reply actions

One point of contention

I think it’s reasonable to expect Sidbury to get a decent number of sacks with more run. You’re right that everything past that is a big question mark.

by Dave Choate on Jan 11, 2012 4:10 PM EST up reply actions

One point of contention

Don’t think. The logic there would have to be that Sidsbury is a sack machine waiting for his chance. If so, why did we sign Edwards to huge bucks and why wait to spring the “surprise” on the league once Abraham bails?? Sidsbury is going to develop into a monster over the off season?

You got a sack maker on your team you play him, that is true for any team but especially for the sack and QB pressure STARVED Falcons. I hope he explodes next year, but I see absolutely no logic to think he will.

TD let’s our ONLY pass rusher walk, and it would make perfect TD logic to allow him to walk (he is smarter than the whole world and we have his replacement waiting in the wings (your logic) or he will mystically pick one out of the hat in the draft) and we gonna have big, big problems.

The sooner you get off the “in TD we trust mantra”, the more clearer you will see the reality of this franchise’s status.

by Whopper Dawg on Jan 11, 2012 11:13 PM EST up reply actions

This franchise's status?

You need to dial-it back bro.

First off, TD and Smitty – have rescued this franchise. Coming into 2008, we were considered one of the worst franchises in the league. We were projected to finish with no more than 1 or 2 wins. After four years, they rebuilt this franchise to be a constant winner and took us to 3 playoff visits. Say what you will about the playoff losses, but there are many franchises that haven’t gotten near the playoffs the past 4 years.

As for Abe – I love the guy, but he is in the last few years of his career. He registered less than 10 sacks this year and I don’t foresee him – in his mid 30s – pulling in more in 2012. Given that there aren’t any real DE studs in the draft (plus, drafting DEs 1st round rarely works out), we have to look elsewhere for the longterm viability of the franchise.

As for guys like Sid and Matthews – DEs will often have the physical skills, but need to learn the footwork and handwork to move from passable to good, good to great. That process can take a few years for some, while others learn quickly. So, it’s entirely possible a full off-season can turn these guys into real game-time studs.

So go ahead, play arm-chair GM and call for TD’s head. He’s one of the reasons we can have these discussions, rather than talking about how we hope our franchise makes it to .500 next year.

by The DW on Jan 12, 2012 7:43 AM EST up reply actions

I'm not pulling this out of my butt

Sidbury had four sacks in very limited snaps, and he got pressure when he was in the game. He’s not Abe’s REPLACEMENT, because nobody in-house is as good as Abe. I’m just saying that when you say the Falcons will have zero pass rush if Abe walks, that’s not quite true. They have one guy capable of getting 6-8 sacks with a full season of snaps, and that’s not an outlandish projection.

Believe me, I’m worried about the pass rush whether or not Abe comes back, but especially if he leaves. This isn’t about trusting TD, though you’d hope he’d bring in a pass rusher who can get the job done if Abe leaves. I’m just pointing out that we have one decent, cost-controlled option in the DE rotation no matter what.

Your basic point that this pass rush needs help is well-taken.

by Dave Choate on Jan 12, 2012 9:52 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Disagree

because even Jamaal Anderson got sacks.

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by Caleb Rutherford on Jan 11, 2012 7:05 PM EST up reply actions

because even Jamaal Anderson got sacks.

Did you watch a game this season? Or last, or last, or last, or last???

by Whopper Dawg on Jan 11, 2012 11:14 PM EST up reply actions

G2G

dunta has gotta get outta ATL. honestly the other guys that are below him on the depth chart could at least be feasible. plus this would free up alot of cap to be able to resign these guys especially Optimus and 5-O

by that_falcon_fan on Jan 11, 2012 4:43 PM EST reply actions

He will not use tag on Lofton, reason why he drafted Dent last year. He will not use on Grimes. Grimes could have played in Gaint game, and they would not let him.. Abe I don’t think they will on him. Our defense will be hurt.

by calfroper on Jan 11, 2012 4:48 PM EST reply actions

New

The new coaches, I hope, are hired before any changes are made

by doglovr on Jan 11, 2012 5:45 PM EST reply actions

I would much rather get lofton for a long term deal

As well as grimes. If we had to use a franchise tag on Abraham I would be ok with the cost but hopefully we don’t have to

by jmpecker on Jan 11, 2012 5:55 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions

TD said he would be able to resign 8 guys

My top 8:

1 – Lofton (captain of our D, not going to find anyone better in draft or FA)
2 – Grimes (most productive CB over the last 3 years)
3 – Zelenka (never underestimate a reliable long snapper)
4 – HD (underutilized in the slot, should be fixed with new OC)
5 – Walker (valuable depth to the d line)
6 – Snell (will see an increased role as well with a new OC)
7 – DeCoud (more pressing needs to be used in draft and FA than a free safety, but I don’t see a long term deal here. Maybe 2-3 years tops.)
8 – Palms (Has shown to be a serviceable backup, low stats means low money)

At the same time I could see guys like HD, Snell, and Grimes leave in FA. But those would be my top 8 to resign.

by Whyte Bler 000 on Jan 11, 2012 10:23 PM EST reply actions

No franchise tag on Abe

we are not going to pay Abe that much money, no fucking way. The only person who might get franchised is Lofton, and that’s only if an agreement can’t be reached before FA begins. No one else on that list is worth the price.

by Whyte Bler 000 on Jan 11, 2012 10:27 PM EST up reply actions