Falcons free agency wish list for 2008

Posted by Stephen Rhodes on November 24th, 2007 filed in Opinions

         

It is apparent that the Atlanta Falcons will be in the Top Ten come draft time in 2008.  Mindful of that, the Falcons will probably be a bit more active in the free agent pool, as well.  At least that’s according to Falcons president and general manager Rich McKay.  Assuming they become players in free agency, there are some quality players out there who are in their “contract year”; here are some names to consider, with the pros and cons of signing them (keep in mind that the NFL Players Association does not release the official list of free agents until after the season): 

• Randy Moss, wide receiver, New England Patriots
• Asante Samuel, cornerback, New England Patriots
• Albert Haynesworth, defensive tackle, Tennessee Titans
• Alan Faneca, guard, Pittsburgh Steelers
• Bob Sanders, safety, Indianapolis Colts
• Michael Turner, running back, San Diego Chargers
• Flozell Adams, offensive tackle, Dallas Cowboys
• Ryan Lilja, guard, Indianapolis Colts
• Dallas Clark, tight end,  Indianapolis Colts
• Lance Briggs, linebacker, Chicago Bears

Moss

Pros: The Falcons have the finances to grab Moss, albeit it would be steep in light of the year he us having.  Cons: The Patriots typically aren’t a team to break the bank to keep a star on their team; Moss may be the exception.

Samuel

Pros: He’d be a great compliment to fellow cornerback DeAngelo Hall.  Cons:  Samuel is mindful of the contract that former Bills/current 49ers CB Nate Clements received.  That alone would knock Atlanta out of consideration.

Haynesworth

Pros: He’s having an All-Pro year and will get paid accordingly.  Cons: If Haynesworth signed with the Falcons, would he go soft on them?

Faneca

Pros:  He’d be an ideal fit for Atlanta as he would be perfect for the offensive scheme that the Falcons utilize.  Cons:  Fairly or not, the price for offensive lineman has risen dramatically, thanks to players like Leonard Davis, Eric Steinbach and Derrick Dockery.  Perhaps drafting an offensive lineman early on would solve that.

Sanders

Pros: Again, like Samuel, a good piece to the Falcons’ secondary.  Cons: Sanders will probably sign an extension with the Colts to remain the anchor of their defense.

Adams

Pros: He fits the profile of what Falcons head coach Bobby Petrino likes in his offensive lineman: big in size (6′7″, 340 lbs).  Cons:  He is 32 years old, which is considered long-in-the-tooth as far as offensive lineman are concerned.

Lilja

Pros:  He is the reason Colts QB Peyton Manning is almost never on his back.  Cons:  His size - or lack of it (6′2″, 290) - may preclude Lilja from signing with Atlanta.

Clark

Pros:  A good fit, especially with current tight end Alge Crumpler’s injury history.  Cons: Only one that comes to mind is his asking price, considering that he is an elite TE in the league.

Briggs

Pros: A definite upgrade to the Falcons linebacking corps, should he sign.  The Bears having a poor season may reduce his asking price.  Cons: Affordability; while Briggs can be had, the Falcons may be best served to look for LB help elsewhere.