clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Falcons Sign Safety Erik Coleman

By Dave Choate

The Falcons took their first obvious step toward replacing Chris Crocker by signing Erik Coleman, formerly the starting free safety for the Jets. I have to be totally honest and tell you that I don't know a lot about Coleman, except that he's 25, gets piles of tackles every year and agreed to a four-year, $10 million contract that makes him a pretty reasonable bargain.

I'm currently checking with NY Landing Strip author Mack Rosenberg to get his impressions of Coleman, so I'll update that as soon as I can. If he's an established enough cover safety, it only increases the chances that young Daren Stone will get a shot at strong safety. Did I mention I'd like to see Stone get a shot? I might not have.

Come back later for more on this.

Update [2008-3-1 16:7:17 by Dave the Falconer]:Mack has the quickest keyboard in the East, apparently. Here's his thoughts on Coleman:

He had a great rookie season back in 2004 but ever since than, it just hasn't been able to kick off for him. The Jets clearly weren't interested in resigning him. He could have a positive impact on the Falcons secondary, one that I think we can all assume isn't a deep position. He started 15 games last season, if I was a Falcons fan, I would expect Coleman to make somewhat of an impact right away but then it's going to taper off. Overall, he's basically a cheap buy at safety for a team that desperately needs the help.

Thanks Mack. Sounds like a younger Chris Crocker, doesn't he?

More From The Falcoholic