10 Falcons Free Agent Questions

[theProf]

10 Falcons Free Agent Questions

6:18 am February 14, 2012, by Dawson Devitt (D3)

Working on new “Risk or Play it Safe” post currently, but wanted to get a new thread up to let the Bird Cage Faithful talk Falcons and Football. Until new post gets up, here’s 10 questions to get the conversations going……..

1) Is Brent Grimes the 2nd Best Overall Free Agent on the Market?

Yesterday, AJC’s Jeff Schultz came out with an article reporting that ProFootballFocus.com (known for their intensive use of stats), rated Brent Grimes as the 2nd best overall free agent on the market. Do you agree with this assessment? If so, should the Falcons consider using the franchise tag on him, thus awarding him an almost $11 million dollar contract?

2) Can Lawrence Sidbury and or Cliff Matthews Take Over if Abraham Leaves?

The same website ranked John Abraham as the #3 overall free agent on the market. Turning 34 in May, Abraham seems ready to cash in on one last contract and it appears the Falcons won’t get into a bidding war over a player hitting 34 and mostly relegated to being a pass-rushing specialist. Can Sidbury and/or Matthews be ready to take over if Abraham leaves?

3) Is Curtis Lofton an Every Down Linebacker?

This one’s simple: is soon-to-be-free-agent middle linebacker Curtis Lofton an every down linebacker or is he destined to be solely a run-stuffing two down MLB? If you believe he is only scratching the surface of becoming a play-making LB, than you have your answer on whether the Birds should pay the man. If you believe the latter, than you also have your conclusion on whether the Falcons should get into a bidding war over him.

4) Can Falcons Afford to Lose Grimes, Abraham, and Lofton?

The three biggest free agents to be are Brent Grimes, John Abraham, and Curtis Lofton. Is there anyway the Falcons can afford to lose all three, all on the defensive side of the ball? Unfortunately, even if they happen to lose all three, they won’t be saving very much money against the cap, except for Abraham’s salary ($8 million). Would it set back the Falcons defense years if all three get away?

5) How Much Would You Pay to Keep Harry Douglas?

Surely, the Falcons want to keep Harry Douglas and certainly there’s probably a part of him that wants to stay with his hometown Falcons. Like all other free agent signings, this one will come down to how much Douglas thinks he deserves and how much the Falcons value him. By way of comparison, James Jones was in a similar position last year as Green Bay’s 4th WR option and many thought he could go be a #2 WR in another offense. He stayed with the Packers to the tune of a $3.3 million dollar a year deal. Is Douglas worth that? More or less?

6) Is Eric Weems Worth $1.2 Million?

Eric Weems made $1.2 million dollars last year, essentially to be the Falcons kickoff and punt returner. Perhaps it wasn’t his fault that former offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey couldn’t integrate more than 2 receivers at a time, but in a cost cutting year, is Eric Weems worth the same amount as last year? If so, should he be under some mandate to be integrated into the offense?

7) Are Turner and Snelling Mutually Exclusive?

As much as fans talk about the Falcons parting ways with Michael Turner, it has not really been the case with Thomas Dimitroff’s track record. Last year, the Falcons let Jason Snelling test the market before re-signing him. If Turner definitely comes back, does that mean that Snelling will finally be gone elsewhere? Should he?

8.) Who’s Your Biggest Head-Scratcher?

Of the 17 Falcons free agents, which player is the hardest to gauge whether they will or should come back and at what price?

9) How Radical Should This Off-Season Be?

Should the Falcons go piecemeal and only slightly adjust the roster or should they throw caution to the wind, make deep cuts, and dramatically remake this roster for the long haul? What big name free agents should the Falcons part ways with in order to remake a roster that clearly can’t win in the postseason? Or should they re-sign most of their own free agents and only try to tweak a roster that has made the playoffs 3 out of the last 4 years?

10) How Active Should the Birds Be in Free Agency?

Not including their own free agents, how active in free agency must the Falcons be? The offensive line has been the main talking point thus far. Should the Falcons go out and sign not only one offensive lineman, but two? Do the Birds need to actively search for replacements for the expected potential losses of Grimes, Abraham, Lofton, and Douglas? What free agents do you have your eye on?

Bird Cage Faithful’s Turn

http://blogs.ajc.com...ta_falcons_fans

[delaigle]

1) They do have Franks, Owens, Walls and have signed Robert McClain, so the Grimes question is really interesting.

2) I believe they will obtain another DE (FA or Draft) if Abe goes and the answer depends on who/where they get the replacement.

3) I believe Lofton was a 2 down only back because of the extensive use of the nickel back during 2010 & 2011. Nicholas and Weatherspoon were the right 2 LBs to be in on the nickel formation.

4) Not all 3 but maybe both Abe and Grimes,, I’m not like many who think Dent can step in for Lofton and the team not miss a beat.

5) ????????? I’ll leave that up to others

6) I really think Cone or Davis can step up to the #5 WR slot and I believe that Franks, Owens or others can do the PR/KR duties.. Not sure if there is another gunner. I like Weems but he may be expendable

7) Turner is under contract. If they had long term plans for Snelling they would have signed him to a multiyear contract last year. They had the odds in their favor when he re-saigned.

8) Sanders

9) a few major adjustments nothing minor

10) I think 1 top tier FA and 2 second tier FAs p

[theProf]

1) They do have Franks, Owens, Walls and have signed Robert McClain, so the Grimes question is really interesting.

2) I believe they will obtain another DE (FA or Draft) if Abe goes and the answer depends on who/where they get the replacement.

3) I believe Lofton was a 2 down only back because of the extensive use of the nickel back during 2010 & 2011. Nicholas and Weatherspoon were the right 2 LBs to be in on the nickel formation.

4) Not all 3 but maybe both Abe and Grimes,, I’m not like many who think Dent can step in for Lofton and the team not miss a beat.

5) ????????? I’ll leave that up to others

6) I really think Cone or Davis can step up to the #5 WR slot and I believe that Franks, Owens or others can do the PR/KR duties.. Not sure if there is another gunner. I like Weems but he may be expendable

7) Turner is under contract. If they had long term plans for Snelling they would have signed him to a multiyear contract last year. They had the odds in their favor when he re-saigned.

8) Sanders

9) a few major adjustments nothing minor

10) I think 1 top tier FA and 2 second tier FAs p

Thanks for taking a stab at all 10 FA questions. I think you make a lot a valid points. I suppose if I disagree with any of your comments it would be about Weems being expendable, expecially if Atlanta does not re-sign HD. I think Weems could be coached into being a good slot receiver, in addition to his Special Teams duties.

[Jah]

Abe at 3 is hilarious

[KGrillz]

They have a lot of questions to answer this offseason.

[1989Fan]

3) I believe Lofton was a 2 down only back because of the extensive use of the nickel back during 2010 & 2011. Nicholas and Weatherspoon were the right 2 LBs to be in on the nickel formation.

are you sure Lofton was subbed for the Nickel?

I would think it was Lofton and Spoon, since I read an article saying he played like 99% of the defensive snaps for the Falcons this season.

I think the teams biggest mistake would be letting Lofton walk.

[theProf]

Abe at 3 is hilarious

At 34 years of age, Abe does seem to have some gas still left in his tank. But ranking him as a prime FA acquisition, at third-best no less, is somewhat over the top.

[delaigle]

are you sure Lofton was subbed for the Nickel?

I would think it was Lofton and Spoon, since I read an article saying he played like 99% of the defensive snaps for the Falcons this season.

I think the teams biggest mistake would be letting Lofton walk.

Oh as you saw I want Lofton back #1 priority you may be right about how much hye played , but I do think he came out on nickel formations. (I could be wrong-- not infallible)

[delaigle]

Thanks for taking a stab at all 10 FA questions. I think you make a lot a valid points. I suppose if I disagree with any of your comments it would be about Weems being expendable, expecially if Atlanta does not re-sign HD. I think Weems could be coached into being a good slot receiver, in addition to his Special Teams duties.

I just think he may be a $$$ causality. He is very versitle and I'd like to see him back.

I really think it will boil down to his work as gunner and if they have someone else. But for WR and PR/KR there are others just as good already under contract at lower rates. I am assuming that HD will be re-signed, if they let HD go then there is a higher probablity that Weems will be back.

Edited February 14, 2012 by delaigle

[XXVIII-III]

1. No

2. No

3. Yes

4. No

5. I'd give him $3.3 (comparing with James Jones) if Koetter plans on using him often.

6. If someone else can step up and become be a pro bowl caliber returner, no.

7. No

8. Hayden, I think his health will determine what we do at the CB position.

9. Moderate

10. 1 big FA on O-line, 1 big FA on D-line, maybe a nice pickup at CB depending on how that plays out.

[delaigle]

1. No

2. No

3. Yes

4. No

5. I'd give him $3.3 (comparing with James Jones) if Koetter plans on using him often.

6. If someone else can step up and become be a pro bowl caliber returner, no.

7. No

8. Hayden, I think his health will determine what we do at the CB position.

9. Moderate

10. 1 big FA on O-line, 1 big FA on D-line, maybe a nice pickup at CB depending on how that plays out.

Weems was not the pro bowl returner -- his pro bowl selection was for his special teams gunner performance

(2010) Hester was the returner

Edited February 14, 2012 by delaigle

[k-train]

are you sure Lofton was subbed for the Nickel?

I would think it was Lofton and Spoon, since I read an article saying he played like 99% of the defensive snaps for the Falcons this season.

I think the teams biggest mistake would be letting Lofton walk.

I was thinking the same thing. Lofton was an every down LB this past season.

[k-train]

Thanks for taking a stab at all 10 FA questions. I think you make a lot a valid points. I suppose if I disagree with any of your comments it would be about Weems being expendable, expecially if Atlanta does not re-sign HD. I think Weems could be coached into being a good slot receiver, in addition to his Special Teams duties.

I get the point you're trying to make about Weems. However, do you really think that if HD leaves & Weems does become the slot WR, that he would still be the return man and gunner? With a supposedly more passing oriented offensive scheme coming here due to Koetter's hiring, I doubt they would want to risk injury or exhaustion to a key part of the scheme.

[delaigle]

I was thinking the same thing. Lofton was an every down LB this past season.

You may well be right but in 2008, 2009, 2010 he was known as a 2 down back and many writers still discuss him as such,, The original post made that assumption and I was was responding to it. AND I am probably wrong about 2011

I was thinking it was Weatherspoon and Peterson then Nicholas replaced Peterson in 2011 as the 2 LBs on Nickel

I didnot get PFF this year -so can't easily check

Edited February 14, 2012 by delaigle

[Falcon918]

are you sure Lofton was subbed for the Nickel?

I would think it was Lofton and Spoon, since I read an article saying he played like 99% of the defensive snaps for the Falcons this season.

I think the teams biggest mistake would be letting Lofton walk.

That is correct Lofton did play 99% of the snaps. I also think we should re-sign him.

[T.Mays]

Lofton never came off the field but some believe that he should have.

[Trouble]

1) No the list was edited and more about mostly likely to be available. But that doesn't mean those teams might not make a move like D jackson.

2) No

3) i think we make a serious move to keep him.

4) Thats some huge changes to our key starters. Afford. Id say NO but we at least 1of those are not coming back. Abe hurts the most since he is our only pass rush. If this happens a splash is gonna be needed in FA.

5) Yes, He needs to stay a falcon. Best player likely for the screen pass.

6) HD is more important, but Weems doesn't make many mistakes on returns.

7) Snelling i think is gone. Rodgers doesn't offer enough and we have seen the top of what Snelling offers. We should be able to find a starting caliber FA for a fair price or we bring Snelling back for depth and value priced. Finding a starting caliber speedback would be a perfect solution. One who could play returns as well as RB and catch.

8.) Abe and Mcclure. Both hurt the Lines badly losing either.

9) To many FA`s, Its gonna be radical (our backups are not good enough to replace the starters we could lose)

10) Depends on who we can resign and at what price. If we lose to many we will have to be radical just to plug holes and fill the depth charts. That still doesn't not change the fact we need Major help on the OLINE and Dlines.

If we lose all our key starters, we need to make a splash. We need a passrush and Abe should come back and maybe make a run at Williams if we cant get Nicks. Both Oline and Dline need a impact player

Edited February 14, 2012 by danight

[delaigle]

From the PFF article on top 50 FAs

33. Curtis Lofton, LB

The conversion of Lofton to an every-down linebacker has had its pros and its cons. On the plus side, we’ve seen him improve in coverage and become the quarterback of the defense. On the negative front, he’s failed to look like the impact run defender we saw as a rookie. A talented, but limited player.

I still think re-signing Lofton must be the #1 priorityt I do not think Dent (or James) can take his place NOW

Sorry for all the heartburn I caused by my mistake in saying he still was a 2 down back.

Edited February 14, 2012 by delaigle

[theProf]

I get the point you're trying to make about Weems. However, do you really think that if HD leaves & Weems does become the slot WR, that he would still be the return man and gunner? With a supposedly more passing oriented offensive scheme coming here due to Koetter's hiring, I doubt they would want to risk injury or exhaustion to a key part of the scheme.

Well if Atlanta doesn't re-sign HD, and elevates Weems to the primary slot receiver, then probably some of his Special roles would be reduced. I could still see him as the kick-off returner, since fewer are now returned, and the gunner. Punt return duties could be given to someone else, such as, Franks. If Atlanta didn't want to use Weems on kick-off returns, they might use Quiz in that role. Weems is too good of a gunner on punt returns and kick-off returns to take that role away from him.

[delaigle]

Well if Atlanta doesn't re-sign HD, and elevates Weems to the primary slot receiver, then probably some of his Special roles would be reduced. I could still see him as the kick-off returner, since fewer are now returned, and the gunner. Punt return duties could be given to someone else, such as, Franks. If Atlanta didn't want to use Weems on kick-off returns, they might use Quiz in that role. Weems is too good of a gunner on punt returns and kick-off returns to take that role away from him.

As I said I like Weems but take the $$$ required to re-sign Weems PLUS HD's current salary and you just might be able to combine them and re-sign HD. I like that better.

[tobyd77]

It will be interesting to see how will come back how they will allow to test the market like the did with Snelling and that if that player can't get any serious offers they allow him to come back or who they let walk period. i suspect if not this week that next week during the first part of the franchise tag week starting next Monday that we should be hearing about negotiations going down or some ink hitting the papers between here and march 5th which is the beginning of the new league year at 4pm that next Monday over.

[niels petersen]

1. He might be based on what he did last year, but in the long run he definitely isn't. And that is what clubs are looking for in a FA, what he will do over the next couple of years. I love Grimes, and would love to keep him. But he won't always be able to overcome his lack of size with his crazy athletic abilties like he has done these past years. Especially not if his knee isn't all good. So on paper, he might be the 2nd best, but he won't be the 2nd most wanted FA.

2. I think so.

I know Abe has been rotating in and out to be fresh when we needed him to rush the passer, so he is basically already a pass rush specialist. But if not for his one great game against the Jax, he really wouldn't have had a good year. I think it is time to move on from Abe, even though I love the guy. I think Nolan can get roughly the same production out of Matthews and Sidbury, maybe a little less but not enough to justify resigning Abe for another $8 million. The thing that pains me the most with letting him go, is that there will be no veteran pass rusher to teach and help the young guys like Sid and Cliff grow. I don't think Edwards is ready to take that role.

3. Yes he is.

Not only that, he is our defensive leader and defensive QB. He is smart, and the true workhorse on our defense. Love the way he leads be example. The guy played almost all of the defensive snaps this season, and while we had problems on 3rd downs I don't think that should tell you he is a huge liability in pass coverage (even the secondary was), but instead that it was very important for the entire defense to keep the defensive anchor on the field. Lofton shouldn't even take most of the blame for those 3rd down difficulties. Sure he can improve, but I saw enough improvement in his pass defense ability this year to believe he will continue that trend in Nolans scheme, which should help him even further.

4. No.

We have to retain at least one. My pick here is Lofton, as he is the anchor and will continue to produce at a high level in the future, contrary to Grimey and Abe (IMO). If Biermann goes along with Abe, we will have to look at a DE in FA though.

5. Douglas won't behave like Jones and think he is worth a whole lot, because Douglas has never really had the chance to prove himself in this offense. On top of that, I don't see that many places he could go in FA. Knowin he will be more involved in the new offense, I think HD will be happy coming back to the Falcons at a little more that $2 million, and I would be happy to give him that. That would be a pretty good increase in pay for HD as well, so I think he will take that. If we decide to let Weems go, I think we could give HD a little extra. But in all honesty, this is a really hard question to answer - it all depends on the preferences and leverage in the negotiations, of both HD and the Falcons.

6. Not last year, no.

But thats because kickoff rules changed, and because MM was too stubborn to use him.. I think I would be willing to give him a deal of the same size, because we don't have a lot of draft picks to bring new, young and fast offensive/special team guys in, and because i think he has some ability.. If there are decent options in FA that could be cheaper, that may be a better idea, but as of right now I wouldn't mind giving him another year with the same salary, because he will be used more with Koetter calling the plays.

7. Yes.

I would love to bring Snelling back, but I think he has had enough of being a backup.. Maybe, if he hated MM as much as a lot of us did, and is convinced that we will use a RBBC next season so he will get more carries, he might want to say yes, but I really doubt it. We also have Jaqcuizz in the mix. I think Snelling is gone, even though I would love to keep him. If he is, we should resign Antone Smith. Snelling is done playing to show his abilities - he wants a bigger role.

8. Kroy Biermann

Not many dimensions about him are constant. Everything about him fluctuates. His playing time is up and down, his playmaking abilities, his effectivity, his role - everything. So theres not a lot to judge from, when discussing a new contract. I think it is extremely hard to gauge how much, or even if, he should get paid.

9. I think it is a little bit in between.

I think our biggest problems were mostly schemewise and coaching. I believe that Nolan and Koetter can take players of what has seemed like an average talentlevel, and make them pretty good in their own systems, so therefore it is very important to resign the players that will be able to contribute right away but also grow within the system. That should leave a good nucleaus ready for the new schemes, but also with enough ways for Koetter and Nolan to find some schemespecific players through the draft and FA. That means resigning Lofton, Decoud, Sanders, Walker, Biermann, Antone Smith, HD, either Chambers or McClure - I'm hoping Snelling as well, but as stated above I think he is done in ATL.

10. Pretty active.

We should have at least one big splash in FA, and then a couple of small to medium splashes. I'm certain we will upgrade the OL through FA, but I think we will sign just one player to the OL. I would like Grubbs, who might be our big splash. Then complement the OL acquisition with another one in the draft - maybe Kevin Zeitler or Andrew Datko. Small and medium splashes should fill out needs like CB, (maybe DE), WR. But it is really hard to predict, because what we do in FA will affect our moves in the draft, and what we want to do in the draft might also affect what we will do in FA.

Edited February 15, 2012 by niels petersen

[1989Fan]

whichever they re-sign (Weems or Douglas) will likely be our returner as well.

Weems will be a lot cheaper, and plays great ST on both sides as well. Douglas can return kicks, but will losing Weems hurt ST coverage?

[theProf]

1. He might be based on what he did last year, but in the long run he definitely isn't. And that is what clubs are looking for in a FA, what he will do over the next couple of years. I love Grimes, and would love to keep him. But he won't always be able to overcome his lack of size with his crazy athletic abilties like he has done these past years. Especially not if his knee isn't all good. So on paper, he might be the 2nd best, but he won't be the 2nd most wanted FA.

2. I think so.

I know Abe has been rotating in and out to be fresh when we needed him to rush the passer, so he is basically already a pass rush specialist. But if not for his one great game against the Jax, he really wouldn't have had a good year. I think it is time to move on from Abe, even though I love the guy. I think Nolan can get roughly the same production out of Matthews and Sidbury, maybe a little less but not enough to justify resigning Abe for another $8 million. The thing that pains me the most with letting him go, is that there will be no veteran pass rusher to teach and help the young guys like Sid and Cliff grow. I don't think Edwards is ready to take that role.

3. Yes he is.

Not only that, he is our defensive leader and defensive QB. He is smart, and the true workhorse on our defense. Love the way he leads be example. The guy played almost all of the defensive snaps this season, and while we had problems on 3rd downs I don't think that should tell you he is a huge liability in pass coverage (even the secondary was), but instead that it was very important for the entire defense to keep the defensive anchor on the field. Lofton shouldn't even take most of the blame for those 3rd down difficulties. Sure he can improve, but I saw enough improvement in his pass defense ability this year to believe he will continue that trend in Nolans scheme, which should help him even further.

4. No.

We have to retain at least one. My pick here is Lofton, as he is the anchor and will continue to produce at a high level in the future, contrary to Grimey and Abe (IMO). If Biermann goes along with Abe, we will have to look at a DE in FA though.

5. Douglas won't behave like Jones and think he is worth a whole lot, because Douglas has never really had the chance to prove himself in this offense. On top of that, I don't see that many places he could go in FA. Knowin he will be more involved in the new offense, I think HD will be happy coming back to the Falcons at a little more that $2 million, and I would be happy to give him that. That would be a pretty good increase in pay for HD as well, so I think he will take that. If we decide to let Weems go, I think we could give HD a little extra. But in all honesty, this is a really hard question to answer - it all depends on the preferences and leverage in the negotiations, of both HD and the Falcons.

6. Not last year, no.

But thats because kickoff rules changed, and because MM was too stubborn to use him.. I think I would be willing to give him a deal of the same size, because we don't have a lot of draft picks to bring new, young and fast offensive/special team guys in, and because i think he has some ability.. If there are decent options in FA that could be cheaper, that may be a better idea, but as of right now I wouldn't mind giving him another year with the same salary, because he will be used more with Koetter calling the plays.

7. Yes.

I would love to bring Snelling back, but I think he has had enough of being a backup.. Maybe, if he hated MM as much as a lot of us did, and is convinced that we will use a RBBC next season so he will get more carries, he might want to say yes, but I really doubt it. We also have Jaqcuizz in the mix. I think Snelling is gone, even though I would love to keep him. If he is, we should resign Antone Smith. Snelling is done playing to show his abilities - he wants a bigger role.

8. Kroy Biermann

Not many dimensions about him are constant. Everything about him fluctuates. His playing time is up and down, his playmaking abilities, his effectivity, his role - everything. So theres not a lot to judge from, when discussing a new contract. I think it is extremely hard to gauge how much, or even if, he should get paid.

9. I think it is a little bit in between.

I think our biggest problems were mostly schemewise and coaching. I believe that Nolan and Koetter can take players of what has seemed like an average talentlevel, and make them pretty good in their own systems, so therefore it is very important to resign the players that will be able to contribute right away but also grow within the system. That should leave a good nucleaus ready for the new schemes, but also with enough ways for Koetter and Nolan to find some schemespecific players through the draft and FA. That means resigning Lofton, Decoud, Sanders, Walker, Biermann, Antone Smith, HD, either Chambers or McClure - I'm hoping Snelling as well, but as stated above I think he is done in ATL.

10. Pretty active.

We should have at least one big splash in FA, and then a couple of small to medium splashes. I'm certain we will upgrade the OL through FA, but I think we will sign just one player to the OL. I would like Grubbs, who might be our big splash. Then complement the OL acquisition with another one in the draft - maybe Kevin Zeitler or Andrew Datko. Small and medium splashes should fill out needs like CB, (maybe DE), WR. But it is really hard to predict, because what we do in FA will affect our moves in the draft, and what we want to do in the draft might also affect what we will do in FA.

Very good and well thought-out comments! Thanks.

[1989Fan]

1. no, Grimes is not the #2 overall UFA. Not that his talent at the position isnt high, but based on position importance I would put the top QB, OT, DE talent above him. He liekly will be the 2nd highest paid CB in the offseason, I could see Carr getting more due to his measurables and being younger.

2. I do not have faith that either of these guys can be the next Abe. Abe recieves attn every snap, and still produces. Maybe I have my doubts because I have seen the fast rise and equally fast descent of Kroy Beirmann though. If a guy has THAT much talent, he gets on the field. Sid couldnt do that. This team struggled in pass rush and never turned to Sid. There has to be a reason, and Sid hasnt even been as effective as Kroy in his limited roles early on.

3. NO DOUBT I feel Lofton is an everydown LB. He proved that last season, playing 99% of snaps, and having good numbers. I think Lofton is the top guy we need to keep here. I worry they may have a limit they are willing to pay him, and may consider Crowder a good 2 down LB, and envision Spoon and Nicholas in the nickel packages.

4. Honestly, I think Grimes may be the best of the bunch, but also the most expendable. Why? Because the team has CBs who are capable of playing outside, but not so much inside. I think Grimes as a NB would be sick, with Franks outside, but that wont happen. I see them letting Grimes walk, starting Franks outside and bringing in a NB like Hayden again to compete with a rookie.

Letting go of all 3 would be a terrible thing, but I could see it happen with a replacement trio of Mario Williams, Channing Crowder and a rookie NB (as described above)

5. This actually may be the trickiest UFA move of them all. I dont think ATL re-signs him early in UFA. He will test the market. There are potential improvements (Eddie Royal) or lower priced options (Weems) for the spot. James Jones got 3.3M per. Douglas doesnt have the stat sheet to warrant that, I would see him stick around for like 2.5 per maybe, but would also look at Royal if the price was similar.

6. This ties into last question. If douglas is retained, no. If Douglas is let to walk, easily. If Weems plays the slot, we have a #3 WR, KR and ST ace all in one. 1.2M for those services is a steal.

7. I dont think they are exclusive. I also dont think Snelling is back regardless, unless it is to be a FB. Turner should still be here, but if he goes Snelling is not his replacement, thats for sure. He is a nice security blanket, but I doubt he comes back knowing he is a #3. Coming into this season I am sure he expected to be the primary backup and 3rd down RB with his competition being a 5th round rookie. He was wrong.

8. This one is Thomas Decoud, with HD83 a close 2nd. DeCoud has given us all WTF moments, but has also made plays, especially down the stretch. FS is very thin, and I dont think any of them are worth paying tons more than DeCoud.

Griffin is just as inconsistent, maybe even more, and Landry is hurt and wont be let go by WAS from what one of their fans tell me.

9. every fan wants radical, but I dont see it. The only reason it could appear radical is all the free agents the team has. I dont see much coming as far as cuts, outside of Baker and maybe Mughelli. Even w Ovie, I see a re-structure or release, then re-sign. I expect that one big name attempt (all signs point to Mario) and then B level talent to compete with current roster and draft picks.

10. Ideally, this is what I would love to see in UFA:

1. re-sign Lofton

2. sign Mario Williams (the best DE in the NFL)

3. sign either Douglas, Royal or Weems to fill the slot and KR roles.

4. get either McNeil if he is released or make a move for Matt Light. No time for a rookie LT, especially if he isnt round 1 talent. Svitek can continue to learn, remember he is still pretty new to the position!

5. draft a NB in rounds 2-3.

6. draft a RG in rounds 2-3 to compete with M. Johnson and A. Jackson.

7. yes I am saying it, re-sign DeCoud to a reasonable deal and try to find a FS in the draft (its a weak class) to compete and provide depth. I really think Nolan being a great DB guy can get that consistency from DeCoud, which is all he lacks.

the rest is filling depth for the most part.