FlyHighFalcons Posted June 21, 2011 Share Posted June 21, 2011 http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/21853/proposed-rules-could-help-falcons-land-deIf you’re one of those Atlanta fans who believes all the Falcons need to do to win a Super Bowl is add defensive end Ray Edwards, one potential hurdle might be out of the way. According to this report, a new labor agreement (it’s not done yet and we're still in a lockout) would allow any players with four accrued seasons to become unrestricted free agents if they don’t have a contract for this season. That’s significant because Edwards, who has been playing for the Minnesota Vikings, has five accrued seasons. There has been some uncertainty about whether guys with four or five accrued seasons would be unrestricted free agents or if they might end up as restricted free agents. If this holds up, Edwards instantly jumps to the top of just about any list of free-agent defensive ends you’re going to see available when the lockout ends. It’s been obvious since the Falcons jumped up in the draft to get Julio Jones that they’re in a “win-now’’ mode. If the scouting department and coaches feel as strongly about Edwards as many fans do, owner Arthur Blank will be waiting with his check book. Let’s take a look around the division to see how this would impact some potential free agents. Buccaneers: If four seasons turns players free, guard Davin Joseph and defensive end Stylez G. White would be added to a list of unrestricted free agents that already was going to include linebacker Barrett Ruud and running back Cadillac Williams. Falcons: It might be time to break up the offensive line. Under these rules, guards Harvey Dahl and Justin Blalock and right tackle Tyson Clabo would be unrestricted. The Falcons began preparing for this in 2010, when they drafted two offensive linemen. Panthers: This news might impact the Panthers most of all when it comes to the guys they currently have. Running back DeAngelo Williams, defensive end Charles Johnson (another possible candidate for the Falcons), linebacker James Anderson and cornerback Richard Marshall all would be unrestricted free agents. I expect the Panthers to make strong plays to keep Williams, Johnson and Anderson, but any of those three could command big money on the open market. Saints: Safety Roman Harper, tight end David Thomas and tackle Jermon Bushrod were the guys there was uncertainty about and they’d be unrestricted in this setting. The good news is guard Carl Nicks has only three seasons and would be a restricted free agent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IceFalcon Posted June 21, 2011 Share Posted June 21, 2011 Hmmm. Charles Johnson could potentially be UFA straight away.This might be good for us Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nobkowski Posted June 21, 2011 Share Posted June 21, 2011 Ray Edwards. Charles Johnson, Charles J0hnson, Ray Edwards I would take Charles Johnson if possible. This takes a player away from a div. team, he's y0unger has more upside. But of course money will most likely be the deciding factor. Oh yeah, he also played for the G dawgs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dozer Posted June 21, 2011 Share Posted June 21, 2011 Can't wait to see who we sign & who we keep. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dem Birds Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 I like Ray Edwards, but if Johnson is available, I think he should be our target. He has more upside and put up better numbers with almost zero help around him. Ray Edwards put up 8 sacks with the Williams Wall AND Jared Allen on the same line? I'd take him, but I'd rather have Johnson. And I don't even like UGA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tribal Chief Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 I wish i could find a way to jump on the "we need a DE" bandwagon. My heart just wont let me do it though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bighurt Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 Charles Johnson is the guy we need, 10 sacks on the panthers d-line with no proven help. Also Johnson is younger and is coming into his prime. I would like to see this front four Abe, Bab, Jerry, Johnson. That should produce some pressure. I think we will sign another DB and maybe an OLB and Safety. We let Coleman go, and we will not resign Finneran or Williams. We drafted Julio so WR is filled. We need to replace Williams and Coleman. I know alot of guys like Aso, but I would like us to sign Jonathan Joseph who will be a free agent and will cost less than a ASO. He played the against the slot WR for Cincy until he got hurt. He is a good tackler and can play man or zone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RHEC Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 Hmmm. Charles Johnson could potentially be UFA straight away.This might be good for usCJ isn't leaving Panthers, let them have that one year wonder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Statick Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 In reading the comments afterwards, it seems Pat loves writing about the Falcons and NFC South in general. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Hoopah! Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 In reading the comments afterwards, it seems Pat loves writing about the Falcons and NFC South in general. Uhh . . . it's his job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IceFalcon Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 CJ isn't leaving Panthers, let them have that one year wonder.How are you so sure?He will have the chance to be on a contender, make more money, and still be close to home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Statick Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 Uhh . . . it's his job.And I thank him for that, but the commenters don't know that it seems.Haters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Hoopah! Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 And I thank him for that, but the commenters don't know that it seems.Haters.Ahh, I see. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
van note Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 If the Falcons blow up the O line, who is there to take over? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
falconmaniac Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 Would love to see Charles Johnson in a Falcon uniform!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenk Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 CJ isn't leaving Panthers, let them have that one year wonder.<<<Really?? money talks and BS walks!! 90% of the players will take the team paying them more money!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris30277 Posted June 23, 2011 Share Posted June 23, 2011 Since Johnson did what he did last year on the Panthers I think it is a lot more impressive than what Edwards was able to do on the Vikings. Having Abe and Johnson on the field at the same time with a fresh Biermann rotating in would really help our pass rush. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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