Falcons put focus on re-signing Brent Grimes and William Moore after cutting three veteran players.
With the Atlanta Falcons releasing Michael Turner, John Abraham and Dunta Robinson Friday, it is clear that they have known for a while, who they want to keep, and who is just wasting precious cap space.
Michael Turner was no longer the running back he once was, John Abraham had too many injuries to stay consistent, and Dunta Robinson was deemed expendable in comparison to the emerging second year pro Robert McClain.
With the large amount of cap space a result of these cuts, it means that the organisation can look to lock down strong safety William Moore and cornerback Brent Grimes to long term deals. Moore had a breakout 2012 season, and was unlucky to not make the Pro Bowl.
Grimes spent all of last year on the injured reserved list after an achilles problem. The 30 year old is still considered one of the elite cornerbacks in the league, so GM Thomas Dimitroff will be making sure he keeps his stud playmaker locked don for the next five years.
The remaining cap space can be used in an umber of ways. Firstly they can look to use it as a way to entice tight end Tony Gonzalez into one more season with the team, after he is still considering retirement.
Secondly, they could use it towards re-signing of left tackle Sam Baker. Baker was one of the most improved players in teh entire league last year, and is fully deserved of a contract extension with the team.
Finally, the Falcons could look to make a splash in free agency. Dwight Freeney, Osi Umenyiora and Stephen Jackson have all been linked with the organisation in recent weeks, and don’t be surprised if the team go after one of these to improve the franchises chance of a Superbowl win.
Thomas Dimitroff didn’t win GM of the year by a fluke, he is a shrewd manager who knows the game well. There is a reason behind these moves, and no doubt, the team will improve because of it.
COMMENTS