IronHead34 Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 http://espn.go.com/blog/atlanta-falcons/post/_/id/18990/falcons-arthur-blank-we-will-spend-for-success The Atlanta Falcons have a variety of holes to fill this offseason, so making a splash with one big free-agent signing doesn't appear to be the primary focus at this point. However, Falcons owner Arthur Blank isn't looking to hold back on spending in free agency, either. "We will spend every dollar that I'm committed to spending," Blank said. "We are very limited by cap space. We'll probably end up with -- prior to the 9th of March which is the start of free agency -- between $20 million to $24 million in cap room. We will spend whatever we can to ensure a successful team." The Falcons just need to be wiser with the players they spend money to sign. Over the last two years, the Falcons committed $42 million guaranteed to four players who haven't made significant impacts: nose tackle Paul Soliai ($14 million), defensive lineman Tyson Jackson ($11 million), linebacker Brooks Reed ($9 million), and offensive guard Jon Asamoah ($9 million). Soliai and Jackson are solid run-stuffers but the Falcons need more versatility from their defensive linemen in terms of pressuring the quarterback, too. Reed struggled to adjust to his new team this past season after undergoing groin surgery. And Asamoah is no longer with the team after agreeing to an injury settlement. Blank was asked if those financial commitments bothered him. "How [the money] is invested is really a decision that personnel and the coach have to make," Blank said. "You want to make wise decisions whether they sign one player or 20 players, or how it's distributed between one and 20 that you're getting a return on your investment. That's why they're paid to make those decisions. And I expect them, with the new staff in place, to have that staff that will have the new perspective not only with the existing roster but with players who are going to be available in free agency." Blank was referring to the additions of new pro personnel director Joel Collieralong with former general managers turned national scouts Phil Emery and Ruston Webster. Blank continued to partnership between head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff, who has admitted his job is on the line. Assistant general manager Scott Pioli oversees pro and college personnel and reports to Dimitroff. Quinn obviously wants to bolster both the offensive and defensive lines. And linebacker just became an even bigger priority after the Falcons cut ties with arguably their best linebacker -- Justin Durant -- as a result of his injury history. Durant received $3 million guaranteed in a three-year contract signed prior to last season. The release of Durant and veteran strong safety William Moore Monday saved almost another $6 million in cap space for 2016. We'll see if more cuts and thus, more cap space leads to the Falcons being bigger players once free agency begins. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt_The Iceman_Ryan Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 Nothing new...Blank has always been willing to spend... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RHEC Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 Just now, Matt_The Iceman_Ryan said: Nothing new...Blank has always been willing to spend... Too bad TD doesn't feel that way, his way of spending is waiting for left overs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ROMERO Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 1 minute ago, Green Ranger said: Too bad TD doesn't feel that way, his way of spending is waiting for left overs. thats a shame Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grrrillapmpn Inc.® Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 Always been a Blank fan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt_The Iceman_Ryan Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 6 minutes ago, Green Ranger said: Too bad TD doesn't feel that way, his way of spending is waiting for left overs. I'd argue that TD went out and spent a good bit of money on three FAs two years ago based on what the HC at the time wanted. I could also argue that TD has for the most part been willing to spend money in FA (Edwards and Robinson to name a few)... I'm not saying his talent evaluation is exceptionally, I'm simply saying that his willingness to spend money should not be discredited... A lot of posters would argue that TD spends too much money in places (retaining players at a premium, Baker and Moore contracts)... It's a bad position... Spend money on players and they dont pan out...criticized... Don't spend money on players...criticized... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackredfellow Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 1 minute ago, Green Ranger said: Too bad TD doesn't feel that way, his way of spending is waiting for left overs. I don't feel like that is the case. We get guys who are closer to the top of available FAs, and we always go after the obvious needs, its just they don't pan out. I don't see it as waiting for leftovers. We needed a CB, we went after Dunta. We overspent and he was average at best, but at the time he was one of the best 2 or 3 available. Same situation with Ray Edwards. This was a big signing at the time. ESPN saying it was a great move, fans excited to get the best young talent available with huge upside. We all know how that panned out. We needed a guard, we got arguably the best available in Asamoah. Great move IMO, then we switched schemes. There is also Michael Turner, again one of the top 2 or 3 available, and arguably at least a top 20 FA signing in NFL history. Also, we are always linked to being in talks with some of the huge FAs, but they never come. Usually where there is smoke there is fire, so its not like TD isnt trying. If the guy goes somewhere else then thats that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
direwolf Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 Yeah, I've never thought that we're afraid of spending. We just haven't had good luck with our signings. As to the "big splash" signings, they rarely actually pan out in terms of their impact on the overall success of the team. Suh didn't make the Dolphins winners. Mario Williams didn't make the Bills winners. Etc. It's always best to build through the draft and supplement through FA. But, then, we haven't been great at that, either. Heh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atlfanstckndenver Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 19 minutes ago, Matt_The Iceman_Ryan said: I'd argue that TD went out and spent a good bit of money on three FAs two years ago based on what the HC at the time wanted. I could also argue that TD has for the most part been willing to spend money in FA (Edwards and Robinson to name a few)... I'm not saying his talent evaluation is exceptionally, I'm simply saying that his willingness to spend money should not be discredited... A lot of posters would argue that TD spends too much money in places (retaining players at a premium, Baker and Moore contracts)... It's a bad position... Spend money on players and they dont pan out...criticized... Don't spend money on players...criticized... You're trying to be objective. I respect that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hashbrown3 Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 There are two sides to our posters here I suppose. And I promise I will not make any TD bulchit comments. Those who come into FA looking for the big, Spanky McNasty signing for big dollars... Those who come into FA looking to bolster several positions of weakness with solid, value signings... It is nearly impossible to have both scenarios but that would be the ideal solution. If there is an open FA beast on the market, then they have earned their way into that position of getting paid via good production on the field. Therefore, you will more than likely pay through the nose. Thus big, guaranteed monies & lucrative contracts which sop up dollars for our other players/signings/draftees. Some would suggest a splash monster should only be signed in FA when you are close to being a legit contender. Makes sense. Others would suggest avoiding the top 15% of money grabbers but still go after upper third tier of FA. Thus, you'd have to be willing to outbid or nearly outbid (some players may want to be in the ATL for family reasons etc.) other teams for their services. For now, I tend to be in this camp. Avoid the top 15-20% of money sappers, but then really commit to getting our hands on TWO really solid guys. G/C/SS perhaps. Of Solaia, Jackson, Reed & Asamoah, Soliai has earned his money. Jackson is an overpaid edge setter with no giddy-up to drag down QB's. Gonzo imo. Asamoah just chaps my butt cuz it was a cluster of question marks for what otherwise was a decent G. Reed? Who the heck knows. So far lots of speculation on what he may or may not be able to do. All we want as fans is to be able to actually SEE what he can do. Another fkg injury guy. We really cannot come into FA with a predetermined idea of what we must address imo. You have to let it come to you the same way you do in the draft. Then jump on the guys you need. Now b4 you jump up may butt, I was a HUGE fan of the Abe signing. But I want to grow via draft primarily and not be the saints program. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackredfellow Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 4 minutes ago, direwolf said: Yeah, I've never thought that we're afraid of spending. We just haven't had good luck with our signings. As to the "big splash" signings, they rarely actually pan out in terms of their impact on the overall success of the team. Suh didn't make the Dolphins winners. Mario Williams didn't make the Bills winners. Etc. It's always best to build through the draft and supplement through FA. But, then, we haven't been great at that, either. Heh Agreed. I'd rather see more hits on draft picks than big FA splashes. Look at all of the past "big" FA sprees, like Washington used to be, and Philly that one year they got Nnamdi and everyone else. It rarely equates to success. Last year was more of what I want to see. Get some depth in FA, and starters in draft. TD has been trying to do the opposite it seems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Theyhateme : ) Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 How is this org "very limited in cap space? They always go into the season with extra $$. "We will spend every dollar that I'm committed to spending," <<<<<What does that mean? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Positive Thinker Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 45 minutes ago, Grrrillapmpn Inc.® said: Always been a Blank fan. Even though he set this franchise back several years by his meddling ways? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ezekiel 25:17 Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 1 hour ago, Grrrillapmpn Inc.® said: Always been a Blank fan. Looks like you have Always been an a$$ fan too!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
octoslash Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 I'd rather see Blank spend a ton of money on a new GM than anything else. Dumping money all over the place (with the existing pitiful hierarchy) isn't going to do anything besides make multi millionaires out of the usual mediocre talent which seems to always populate the Falcons roster. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bring It Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 The Falcons have spent.......and WASTED $$$$$$$$ over the past 4 years like crazy. All managed by high priced front office Yahoos. They could have accomplished the same with a staff assembled at the local Greyhound Bus terminal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JayOzOne Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 1 hour ago, Matt_The Iceman_Ryan said: I'd argue that TD went out and spent a good bit of money on three FAs two years ago based on what the HC at the time wanted. I could also argue that TD has for the most part been willing to spend money in FA (Edwards and Robinson to name a few)... I'm not saying his talent evaluation is exceptionally, I'm simply saying that his willingness to spend money should not be discredited... A lot of posters would argue that TD spends too much money in places (retaining players at a premium, Baker and Moore contracts)... It's a bad position... Spend money on players and they dont pan out...criticized... Don't spend money on players...criticized... Can you imagine how happy people would have been if we splurged for Ndamakung Suh last year and were in Saint-like cap **** this year? Especially since that one player wouldn't have put us over the top. Many of the same people complaining about how cheap TD is would be itching about how stupid he was to pay too much money for one guy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nono Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 I like "Spend for Success" better than "Rise Up" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Summerhill Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 2 hours ago, Green Ranger said: Too bad TD doesn't feel that way, his way of spending is waiting for left overs. The unfortunate situation is every player who is available in free agency is a "leftover" because the team he already played for 4, 5, or 6 years decided it doesn't want him anymore. There's a reason the Chiefs didn't re-sign Tyson Jackson. It's because they knew their money was better spent on Justin Houston and Eric Berry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aerosmith67 Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 Blank is not the problem, unlike Jerry Jones he's not creating the issues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lju713 Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 With the Broncos focusing on Malik Jackson,Trevathan,Miller,and Osweiler i think we will be able to steal Brandon Marshall from them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwifalcon Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 I'm here nor there with FA almost have this attitude after being round and reading what people have to say,your damned if you do or damned if you don't. So much of signing FA is timing and where your team is I pretty much see it as a stab in the dark you just don't there's know real tried and true answer to what works and what doesn't. I mean spend big for the most part fails.I guess staying mid tier like we are hasn't really reaped us the success we garner as fans so at the moment forme it's as mentioned a stab in the dark. I mean if we took Durant as an example I thought he was going to be really good for us and after watching the pre-season & the first couple of games I thought here we go we're in next minute injured and the wheels fall off.So again fans like going after some of these Bronco's SB winners but howmuch of it as scheme and players around them.You put the in our scheme with the obvious drop off in talent and really aren't we just doing the same stabbing in the dark and tossing a coin heads or tails aaaarrrgghhh Ijust don't know about FA. It's probably the reason coaches take players there familiar with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grrrillapmpn Inc.® Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 2 hours ago, ATL58FAN said: Even though he set this franchise back several years by his meddling ways? Sure, why not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYCFalc Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 3 hours ago, Matt_The Iceman_Ryan said: Nothing new...Blank has always been willing to spend... so have the dolphins, saints and cowboys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
falconstwopercentsized Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 **** them free agent contracts, should have never became run and shoot 2.0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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