atljbo Posted February 21, 2012 Share Posted February 21, 2012 Falcons had right idea in trading for JonesThis was going to be a column urging clubs to be bold in restricted free agency, to make Steelers WR Mike Wallace and Texans RB Arian Foster offers that their current clubs would struggle to match. Easy for me to write, right? Not. My. Money.If ever there was a year for a team to consider taking a big swing in restricted free agency, this is it.Foster and Wallace are among the most talented restricted free agents ever. Yes, I said ever. They are blue-chip players just entering the prime of their careers. Each turns 26 in August. Neither comes with health concerns.Teams with plenty of salary-cap space and either 1) multiple first-round picks or 2) a first-round selection in the back half of Round One should ponder the possibility of making an offer to either player. I am not the first person to suggest that Wallace could be just what the Patriots' offense needs, and I will not be the last. And if I were Bengals owner Mike Brown, I would be getting longtime RB coach Jim Anderson's scouting report on Foster, who might be the game's most versatile back.The downside on making an offer to Foster or Wallace? It will be expensive, both in terms of dollars (eight figures, easy) and draft picks (at least one first-rounder, assuming each player is given the highest RFA tender).The price of sitting at this poker table soars should either player receive the non-exclusive franchise tag. In that case, it will take a major financial commitment PLUS two first-round picks to sign Wallace or Foster. (The exclusive franchise tag would forbid them from negotiating with other clubs completely.)Opening the wallet in restricted free agency has paid off for some teams over the years. The Jets surely never regretted acquiring RFA RB Curtis Martin from New England for a first- and a third-round selection in 1996. Likewise, the Patriots were happy to give up a second- and a seventh-round pick for RFA Dolphins WR Wes Welker in '07.The cost of acquiring a big-ticket restricted free agent is high, but that's part of the deal, and should the player become a difference maker, no one's going to sweat the receipt.Of course, when an aggressive, high-cost move doesn't pan out, the tab is tough to take, and the criticism bubbles and flows.Some will suggest Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff blew it last April when he traded first-, second- and fourth-round picks in 2011, as well as first- and fourth-round selections in 2012, to move up to take WR Julio Jones. The Falcons didn't even win a playoff game this past season, after all, and their first-round pick now belongs to Cleveland.But let's suppose the Falcons didn't make the trade for Jones. It is likely they still would be looking for a wideout to complement Roddy White. Perhaps they would have considered addressing the position in free agency, or with the No. 22 pick that now belongs to Cleveland.Instead, they have Jones, who showed tremendous promise as a rookie, under contract for three more seasons, with a team option for 2015. Despite missing three games with a hamstring injury, Jones hauled in 54 passes for 959 yards and eight touchdowns. Just 23 years old, Jones is a Pro Bowl-caliber talent.Whom would you rather have? Jones, whom the Falcons signed to a four-year, $16.18 million contract, including a $10.27 million signing bonus, or Wallace, who figures to draw a far more lucrative offer if he's allowed to negotiate with other clubs?All things considered, there's a strong case for Jones at that price, right?This is to take nothing away from Wallace, who's swift, hardworking and well-rounded. He is more accomplished than Jones. The Steelers would be wise to sign to a long-term deal. If they do not, another club surely will jump at the chance, and it could be an offense-altering move for that team.The Falcons took their big swing last April. My goodness, did it seem like they gave up a lot for Julio Jones.But how much was it, really, when considering the cost of doing business in free agency? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Falcon Jedi Knight Posted February 21, 2012 Share Posted February 21, 2012 Julio is the best WR on this team. And we Paid Heavily for that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HouseofEuphoria Posted February 21, 2012 Share Posted February 21, 2012 Julio is the best WR on this team. And we Paid Heavily for that.10 years from now, it will probably look like a bargain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hjerry Posted February 21, 2012 Share Posted February 21, 2012 10 years from now, it will probably look like a bargain.Maybe even sooner than that. it hurts right now b/c we want our 2012 picks back, but next year, it will hardly even be discussed, unless Julio suddenly becomes terrible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwifalcon Posted February 21, 2012 Share Posted February 21, 2012 JBO it doesn't matter what you say on here the Julio trade I believe by most of this board will say we overpayed and we have to many holes all this and that.Much like going for Mario in FA all they can see is what we are'nt getting all I see from both are to potiential HOFers and in the end if we had both they get us over the top.But carry on with all the over paying garbage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atljbo Posted February 21, 2012 Author Share Posted February 21, 2012 JBO it doesn't matter what you say on here the Julio trade I believe by most of this board will say we overpayed and we have to many holes all this and that.Much like going for Mario in FA all they can see is what we are'nt getting all I see from both are to potiential HOFers and in the end if we had both they get us over the top.But carry on with all the over paying garbage.I didnt say that.. PFW said that... But i always said i liked the trade... It hurts this year because we dont have a 1st round pick this year but from where we are drafting (this year and last year) ... You will not find a talent like Julio where we pick...This is a passing league... We grabbed an elite WR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwifalcon Posted February 21, 2012 Share Posted February 21, 2012 I didnt say that.. PFW said that... But i always said i liked the trade... It hurts this year because we dont have a 1st round pick this year but from where we are drafting (this year and last year) ... You will not find a talent like Julio where we pick...This is a passing league... We grabbed an elite WR Try expressing that comment to a fair old % of the AFMB you'll be banging your head against the proverbial wall. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cannonballsghost Posted February 21, 2012 Share Posted February 21, 2012 I'm about as old as anyone on this board and I liked at the time and still like the trade Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herr Doktor Posted February 21, 2012 Share Posted February 21, 2012 I thought the move was Ballsy. This off season will prove whether or not our front office has it, or not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
niels petersen Posted February 21, 2012 Share Posted February 21, 2012 Very ballsy move, and I still like the trade.The only thing that might be a problem now because of the trade, is our big number of FAs. If we can't resign them, we might in in a pickle because we don't have the draft picks to replace them. But that is really my only critique of the trade. Good job by TD.The fact that our coordinators didn't turn out doesn't help either, but it's hard to place the blame for that on TD. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuantumFalconz Posted February 21, 2012 Share Posted February 21, 2012 Julio is the best WR on this team. And we Paid Heavily for that.You get what you pay for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rootee Posted February 21, 2012 Share Posted February 21, 2012 Yes JJ was cheaper than a FA. But you totally ignore the other costs e.g. the loss of all those draft picks that we deparately need(ed). The TRADE set us back 1-2 years. It was a desperate gamble that did not work, I love the Falcons but we are (were) more than one player away from going "all the way". What are we going to do about left tackle next year? Running back is a problem, still don't have a speed back that can get to the outside (Quiz was a wasted pick). If we assume that we sign all of our crtical FA, we still need some help in the secondary. You get my point I hope. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blkbigdog35 Posted February 21, 2012 Share Posted February 21, 2012 Whose to say that the picks we make pan out? You guys kill me about this draft pick stuff because the julio trade was a winner because we got a proven guy. There always gems out there in later rounds and undrafted rookie free agents so all is not lost. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vel Posted February 21, 2012 Share Posted February 21, 2012 It's funny how TD is criticized by some for "poor drafting" but then is called an idiot for trading picks for a sure fire prospect. If he was so bad, that 1st round pick wouldn't matter because he is going to pick another Baker or Jerry bust anyway.Sorry, give me Julio anyday and twice on Sunday. This team is already good. There aren't that many holes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KGrillz Posted February 21, 2012 Share Posted February 21, 2012 Everyone gets mad because we traded away draft picks. No one knows if we had the kept those picks that the picks would be good players. We could have drafted another Jaamal Anderson for crying out loud. I love the trade to get Jones. He produced last season and is going to be a stud. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vel Posted February 21, 2012 Share Posted February 21, 2012 Everyone gets mad because we traded away draft picks. No one knows if we had the kept those picks that the picks would be good players. We could have drafted another Jaamal Anderson for crying out loud. I love the trade to get Jones. He produced last season and is going to be a stud.They nothing but cry babies who are upset that TD ruined their mock draft conversations this season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
falconidae Posted February 21, 2012 Share Posted February 21, 2012 Lots of misconceptions about this trade.1. that it was a panic move- they spent 6 weeks researching and deciding to make the trade.2. that they thought they were one player away- never heard that from anyone except outsiders. They wanted a number 1 WR to develop with Ryan3.It was too expensive- they could only trade draft picks at the time, and, if you get a trade value chart & add up the point totals for the picks traded away vs. the 6th overall pick, falcons gave up the equivalent of a high 3rd rounder in value to make the trade.Falcons got unlucky with Oline and Dline injuries last year- everybody on the Dline was hurt at some point, the Baker & McClure & Johnson & Reynolds injuries really hurt the Falcons on offense. Get some guys back healthy, add some talent on the lines- LT and DT and this team can thrive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vel Posted February 21, 2012 Share Posted February 21, 2012 Lots of misconceptions about this trade.1. that it was a panic move- they spent 6 weeks researching and deciding to make the trade.2. that they thought they were one player away- never heard that from anyone except outsiders. They wanted a number 1 WR to develop with Ryan3.It was too expensive- they could only trade draft picks at the time, and, if you get a trade value chart & add up the point totals for the picks traded away vs. the 6th overall pick, falcons gave up the equivalent of a high 3rd rounder in value to make the trade.Falcons got unlucky with Oline and Dline injuries last year- everybody on the Dline was hurt at some point, the Baker & McClure & Johnson & Reynolds injuries really hurt the Falcons on offense. Get some guys back healthy, add some talent on the lines- LT and DT and this team can thrive.But wait! We have too many holes for the trade regardless! TD is an idiot! He should have known the things I know! I could see the holes a mile away! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dharma Initiative Posted February 21, 2012 Share Posted February 21, 2012 It seems the media in general forgot that under the new CBA rookies are a lot cheaper. Yeah it would have been dumb in 2010 to make that trade and you'd be paying Julio three times as much money.But as it is now, top picks don't cost near as much and trading for them will. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
g-dawg Posted February 21, 2012 Share Posted February 21, 2012 JBO it doesn't matter what you say on here the Julio trade I believe by most of this board will say we overpayed and we have to many holes all this and that.Much like going for Mario in FA all they can see is what we are'nt getting all I see from both are to potiential HOFers and in the end if we had both they get us over the top.But carry on with all the over paying garbage.the problem with the "overpaid" analysis is that fans and pundits assume that every draft pick that was given up would have amounted to something. Falcons gave up 1st, 3rd, 5th, 1st, 4th. Best-case scenario, most teams would get 3 good players out of those 5 draft picks.So all the fans/pundits think we gave up 5-for-1 player - reality is we probably gave up 3-for-1. Dimitroff does not hit on all of his players and neither does any other NFL GM.I think the price was steep - but fair. If Julio Jones goes to 4-5 pro-bowls in his career and leads this team - it will have been a good trade. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
g-dawg Posted February 21, 2012 Share Posted February 21, 2012 It seems the media in general forgot that under the new CBA rookies are a lot cheaper. Yeah it would have been dumb in 2010 to make that trade and you'd be paying Julio three times as much money.But as it is now, top picks don't cost near as much and trading for them will.hey Dharma - we agree good post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muskokas finest © Posted February 21, 2012 Share Posted February 21, 2012 The real loser in the Jones scenario was Cincinnati. They could have had those Falcon picks, plus the 1st rounders in the Palmer trade. Even Mike Brown would have a hard time screwing that up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freebird310 Posted February 21, 2012 Share Posted February 21, 2012 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atlfanstckndenver Posted February 21, 2012 Share Posted February 21, 2012 Yes JJ was cheaper than a FA. But you totally ignore the other costs e.g. the loss of all those draft picks that we deparately need(ed). The TRADE set us back 1-2 years. It was a desperate gamble that did not work, I love the Falcons but we are (were) more than one player away from going "all the way". What are we going to do about left tackle next year? Running back is a problem, still don't have a speed back that can get to the outside (Quiz was a wasted pick). If we assume that we sign all of our crtical FA, we still need some help in the secondary. You get my point I hope.Way off base here buddy, on a couple levels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwifalcon Posted February 21, 2012 Share Posted February 21, 2012 the problem with the "overpaid" analysis is that fans and pundits assume that every draft pick that was given up would have amounted to something. Falcons gave up 1st, 3rd, 5th, 1st, 4th. Best-case scenario, most teams would get 3 good players out of those 5 draft picks.So all the fans/pundits think we gave up 5-for-1 player - reality is we probably gave up 3-for-1. Dimitroff does not hit on all of his players and neither does any other NFL GM.I think the price was steep - but fair. If Julio Jones goes to 4-5 pro-bowls in his career and leads this team - it will have been a good trade. Dawg you don't need to explain this to me mate i completely agree.Much like going for Mario in FA though the cost is high I gotta think this guy also is the closest thing to a sure thing when it comes to performance.For me I like TD's mindset he ID's a area of need that really he thinks that can be upgraded and is aggressive as about going about fixing it the mindset for me is what I like most about the Julio trade do whatever it takes within reason to make the team better I sure as h*ll hope he's that aggressive this FA period. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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