I'm not sure on this, so maybe someone can fill me in on our defensive plans for the future. I don't remember seeing any definitive answers in the media anywhere. Will we eventually transition to a 3-4 under Nolan? If so, why would we sign a high profile DE that doesn't want to convert to OLB. I recall hearing M. William's does not want to do that.

Wouldn't it be much more cost effective to sign lower cost, rotational players to shorter contracts (say 3 years or less). Even better if they can play more than one position. This way, IF we transition to a 3-4, they can find new positions or be easily released/not re-signed.

It is hard to build a team to WIN the Superbowl in one off season. Personally, I would much rather build through the draft and lower cost acquisitions for now. Aim to merely improve the team and quit trying to win a Superbowl in 2012. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see a championship in Atlanta, but let's set some realistic goals and try to exceed them instead of setting lofty goals and coming up short.