Falcons Not “Wasting Any Time” In Contract Talks With Brent Grimes

[DirtyBird757]

Can I ask you this: If he played the Giants game and tore his ACL, how would you feel? Who would you be pissed at? Yes, in your eyes, him sitting out the game for money would be "wrong". But him playing the game on a less than 100% knee is too great a risk for all the hard work he put in to get to this point. Plus, it was a mutual decision with the coaches. Smitty said that. You sit your best corner when you know there is always next season. Even if it wasn't his contract year, I think Smitty sits him because Grimes career is longer than that 60 minutes. If we didn't have him this coming year because they pushed him too hard and the injury got worse, then it would be all out chaos on this board.

I don't dispute that logic. I just believe as a competitor there will always be some factor of risk. I know that Grimes was undrafted coming out of college. However, if I had his skillset and COULD play in the NFL, I definitely wouldn't have sat out of that game. I'm sorry. The focus should have been on the team (from my perspective). I think that it comes down to principle and influence. I would not be pissed with anybody. I would just wish him a speedy recovery and hope that he would be wearing red and black again. Peyton Manning didn't complain about risking injury when he was pushing himself to get healthy from a NECK injury. He wanted to play regardless of the money that was due to him. That is what I look up to and have respect.

I won't be the guy dishing on his wife like the other posters had done before and I am not even upset with Grimes. I have a nonchalant feeling toward him. Moreover, we didn't even need him for that game. So, it really didn't matter to me. I just want a guy that wants to win and help the team.

[DirtyBird757]

I'm not too excited about the idea of having 2 CB making more than 7 mil/year on the team....I think the cornerstone of a good defense starts up front and that is where money should be invested....look at the Giants, Texans, Bears, Steelers, Baltimore...they all have great DLine play or oustanding LBs making plays....

With that said, If the FO thinks our defense will be better off having money in the secondary after hopefully consulting with Nolan, than let's do it....I'm just curious to see where we go with the front seven....

Furthermore, I wouldn't put too much into this article...the author couldn't even spell Brent Grimes' name correctly or the word negotiation, and it was a paragraph and half write up........

Me neither, I would hope that they could restructure Dunta's contract for the sake of keeping Grimes so that the money is not tied up in our corners. Personally, I would like to see Franks get more playing time.

[falconidae]

I don't dispute that logic. I just believe as a competitor there will always be some factor of risk. I know that Grimes was undrafted coming out of college. However, if I had his skillset and COULD play in the NFL, I definitely wouldn't have sat out of that game. I'm sorry. The focus should have been on the team (from my perspective). I think that it comes down to principle and influence. I would not be pissed with anybody. I would just wish him a speedy recovery and hope that he would be wearing red and black again. Peyton Manning didn't complain about risking injury when he was pushing himself to get healthy from a NECK injury. He wanted to play regardless of the money that was due to him. That is what I look up to and have respect.

I won't be the guy dishing on his wife like the other posters had done before and I am not even upset with Grimes. I have a nonchalant feeling toward him. Moreover, we didn't even need him for that game. So, it really didn't matter to me. I just want a guy that wants to win and help the team.

So, who said he chose to sit out to avoid injury?

[Free Radical]

Yeah great high dollar secondaries like the Jets and Eagles really help a lot.  Look how far those teams got in the playoffs

2010 Green Bay Packers2009 New Orleans Saints2008 Pittsburgh Steelers2006 Indianapolis ColtsThese are some recent Superbowl winners that either had a top 5 pass defense or an elite secondary. There isn't a magic formula to winning in this league. The only thing that's known for sure is that you need a QB and you need to win at the LOS more often than not.

[atljbo]

Draft this man in 3rd round - BRANDON BROOKS6'5", 343lbs-Miami(OH) - strong as a bull (Carl Nicks Clone)

Ive been a fan of Brandon Brooks all season... I know the guy plays at Miami of Ohio but he is a BIG mauler was good feet for a big guard... Its some technique things Pat Hill will have to work on with him but the guy is the big Guard that we need

I also think Amini Silatolu

[slamee101]

So, who said he chose to sit out to avoid injury?

Didn't you know? The Falcons message board version of CSI closed that case weeks ago with all their "sources".

[DirtyBird757]

So, who said he chose to sit out to avoid injury?

Hypthetically. IDK, it was brought up enough. I don't know, I don't care. So long as it isn't true. I have no problem with Grimes, please do not mistake that.

[abcranford2]

i don't think we should bring him back simply because he will cost too much...regardless of what he may or may not have done last season during the playoffs.

i think the giants made it clear that the d-line is the most important part of a defense last year...and the o-line is equally as important...lets spend the majority of our money there

[hjerry]

I think Franks will be fine at NB. They could bring Hayden back as well.

I actually wouldn't be surprised if Nolan decided that for nickel packages that Grimes slips inside, since he's so shifty. He'd still be on the field ontherwise. This would just be for nickel.

[atljbo]

Me neither, I would hope that they could restructure Dunta's contract for the sake of keeping Grimes so that the money is not tied up in our corners. Personally, I would like to see Franks get more playing time.

I wouldnt touch Dunta Robinson contract.. The guy is not damaging us with his contract making a little over 7 mil this year.... Thats around what #2 CB's make ... Also if he doesnt shine in Mike Nolans system this year.. We could cut him after the season and gain 5+ mil of cap space in 2013 and 2014....

I think We have 30+ mil in cap room.. We have the money.. Its just TD want to get the best deal he can get.

[DirtyBird757]

i don't think we should bring him back simply because he will cost too much...regardless of what he may or may not have done last season during the playoffs. i think the giants made it clear that the d-line is the most important part of a defense last year...and the o-line is equally as important...lets spend the majority of our money there

That too... Hopefully he is just throwing a large figure in the air. Generally, when people negotiate, they come down to a reasonable price. I am sure that is every agent's aim during a FA period.

[atljbo]

I actually wouldn't be surprised if Nolan decided that for nickel packages that Grimes slips inside, since he's so shifty. He'd still be on the field ontherwise. This would just be for nickel.

I would ask Grmes to shadow #1 WR's and move Dunta inside on 3rd downs.. He could be a good Blitzer inside or get physical with an slot WR

[DirtyBird757]

I wouldnt touch Dunta Robinson contract.. The guy is not damaging us with his contract making a little over 7 mil this year.... Thats around what #2 CB's make ... Also if he doesnt shine in Mike Nolans system this year.. We could cut him after the season and gain 5+ mil of cap space in 2013 and 2014.... I think We have 30+ mil in cap room.. We have the money.. Its just TD want to get the best deal he can get.

Oh okay, thanks for clarifying that for me.

[PokerSteve]

So the Falcons are going to shower Grimes with money and really have no clue how strong that knee is, how durable it will be, how much the injury will affect his vertical leap ~ which is about three-quarters of his whole game ~ and he's almost 30. Wonder if the $150mm contract offer will be for 15 years or 20?

[vel]

I don't dispute that logic. I just believe as a competitor there will always be some factor of risk. I know that Grimes was undrafted coming out of college. However, if I had his skillset and COULD play in the NFL, I definitely wouldn't have sat out of that game. I'm sorry. The focus should have been on the team (from my perspective). I think that it comes down to principle and influence. I would not be pissed with anybody. I would just wish him a speedy recovery and hope that he would be wearing red and black again. Peyton Manning didn't complain about risking injury when he was pushing himself to get healthy from a NECK injury. He wanted to play regardless of the money that was due to him. That is what I look up to and have respect.

I won't be the guy dishing on his wife like the other posters had done before and I am not even upset with Grimes. I have a nonchalant feeling toward him. Moreover, we didn't even need him for that game. So, it really didn't matter to me. I just want a guy that wants to win and help the team.

But that's the difference between Peyton and Grimes. Peyton is paid. Grimes isn't. This isn't just football for Grimes, this is his life on the line. If he goes out and injures his knee, like you said you will wish him a speedy recovery, but those wishes aren't sending his child to college in 16-17 years. Yes, he made $2.6MM this year off the tender and he was going to get another contract, but significantly less than what he is going to get now. Yes, it is about the money for those players whether you believe it or not. They can't get corporate jobs after they retire. Majority either live off their earnings or become football coaches. That's the only two options they have to choose from.

Grimes playing would have earned respect from the fans (respect he should have already had) but no monetary value. Grimes getting hurt would have killed his financial future. Not worth the risk. You see it as "Grimes, you have a rare opportunity to play in the NFL and I wish I could, I would take full advantage". But it's not really like that. From the outside in, it is and I understand that. But my cousin played for 6-7 years and got paid handsomely. It's a totally different animal once your in it. One injury and you are tossed on the scrap heap without a care in the world. They don't consider your future post-NFL, it's up to you to get as much as you can while your in it and make it out in 1 piece. All of the pride and respect Ray Lewis has won't help him when he can't talk correctly in 20 years because he played too long. But Grimes decision to not play will have his kids kids future straight and that is what we all want.

If you had the opportunity to have that, would you risk it? No, because that's what we are working for. To make a good living and build generational wealth. If you would risk that being guaranteed to you, I question your judgement.

[Ridder Me This]

I dont think that will be the case for more than this coming season. I think unless DRob comes out like Revis this will be his last season if Grimes is re-signed. Franks or Owens would likely take his place to open up like 7M in cap space.

As for Houston, they invested big into their secondary this offseason, which is a huge reason they had the defensive success they did this year. Jon Joseph may have been the best player on that defense! As the league continues to evolve around passing, you need those cover guys. CBs and safeties.

All of those teams listed also have at least 1 stud CB. If ATL lets Grimes walk, they have none. You cant lose Grimes because of a mistake you made on DRob. It is just unfortunate that the team is tied to DRob's contract for one more season no matter how he plays.

Or do you need a solid pass rush that gets after the QB....I think breakdowns in coverage can be erased more easliy with a solid pass rush than the other way around considering the WR and TEs that are in the league now....

Plus, it ultimately comes down to coaching philosophy....

Totally agree on the DRob point, that if he doesnt have a good year this year, than we will cut ties, thus not making Grimes' contract so bad, although I really think DRob will play better under Nolan....

And you are right...JJ might have been the best pickup this past season for any team....he played well...but they still had a great front seven...

[atljbo]

A league source told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora the Falcons' goal is to lock up Grimes, 28, to a long-term deal, but Dimitroff conceded Friday the franchise tag is a possibility for Grimes if a deal isn't reached.

[RHEC]

I bet we overpay.

[caver50]

I can't imagine Grimes excepting less money than Robinson.

[TheFatboi]

Quote

At nickel he does. Outside he's good.

Brian Billick ‏

#Falcons M. Nolan says finding physical attributes of CB is easy, it's mental capacity & comp nature I'm looking for

I agree with that statement wholeheartedly. Chris Owens is an amazing athlete but he looks lost a bit too often.

[A-TowN.-]

Draft this man in 3rd round - BRANDON BROOKS6'5", 343lbs-Miami(OH) - strong as a bull (Carl Nicks Clone)

I agree G-dawg. Brooks would be my pick as well. However I think Johnson and Jackson could possibly start as well

[Peyton]

I can't imagine Grimes excepting less money than Robinson.

I bet we overpay.

I am OK with the team overpaying for a guy who can play, rather than a guy who can't.

[slamee101]

I am OK with the team overpaying for a guy who can play, rather than a guy who can't.

Good point.

[TheFatboi]

Yeah great high dollar secondaries like the Jets and Eagles really help a lot. Look how far those teams got in the playoffs

Both of those teams had offensive woes. Eagles had a DC that was an offensive guy and Sanchez killed the jets. Eagles with a lead was scary because they came after you.

[UK13]

Where is everybody that was wishing him good riddance because he quit on the team and bashing him and the likes? I'd love to hear them "rejoice" at the news that the FO is trying to bring him back. Just like I expected, #20 will be back in the red and black and a lot of you guys will look like idiots. I think they will get this deal done right before FA starts and leave Abe and Lofton to the wolves the way they are talking.

If he voluteered to take his self out of the playoff game when he could had played I still say let him walk and he still a midget that can't cover big recievers ala Calvin Johnson as a matter of fact I remember Miles Austin using him like a rubber a couple of years ago , regardless of what you think he's not a shutdown CB , he does get thrown on and they do complete passes on him , Graham didn't even jump and caught a TD on him , if he does'nt expect Revis money then bring'em back but he's not worth crippling the team over