:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46934844/usa-today-8725850.0.jpg)
The Atlanta Falcons want to win football games. That's what fuels every decision they make. Add some key free agents? It's because they want to win. Stick to their draft strategy and take the best available pass rusher? It's because they want to win. Ban Caleb Rutherford and his Pokemon sweatshirt from Flowery Branch? You guessed it - it's because they want to win. But there's one thing they won't do.
The Falcons, at least during the Dimitroff era, have avoided high-risk players. There's room to be critical of that approach, but it is what it is. And now, with Ray Rice and Aldon Smith sitting patiently on their living room couches, it's natural to wonder whether the Falcons are interested.
At this point, it doesn't appear the Falcons will pursue Rice or Smith. Jeff Schultz asked Thomas Dimitroff today whether the team would consider signing either player. As for Rice, Dimitroff completely ruled it out. He's apparently happy with his running back stable. (Translation: he doesn't want to deal with that public relations nightmare.)
He apparently left the door open on signing Smith. That said, my advice is that you not hold your breath. For the first time in years, the Falcons have linebacker depth. While he's a talented player, the risk associated with signing Smith far outweighs the potential benefit. That could change down the road, but for now, Smith seemingly hasn't distanced himself from his demons.
Your thoughts?