The Atlanta Falcons figured out the almost impossible. They found a way to make headlines two days before the annual NFL draft, in a year in which they don’t even have a first-round pick. General manager Thomas Dimitroff traded a seventh-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles today for cornerback Asante Samuel, a four-time Pro Bowler willing to rework his contract.
In the Eagles’ mindset, Samuel became expendable when they added two other star cornerbacks last summer, Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.
As is often the case with premier players with huge contracts, Samuel suddenly became a victim of the salary cap numbers game.
Samuel has agreed to rework his contract to a more cap-friendly number to join the Falcons’ defensive backfield. Multiple league sources report the deal as three years for $18.5 million.
Samuel will play cornerback in a defensive secondary along side Pro Bowler Brent Grimes (who agreed to a franchise tag Tuesday) and Dunta Robinson. Atlanta’s pass defense stands to improve considerably, and fans can expect the production of the defensive line and linebacker corps to improve as well.
By adding a true star player and potential difference maker to the defense, the Falcons’ draft day strategy becomes more predictable. Without being able to see the crystal ball of Dimitroff and head coach Mike Smith, and assuming Atlanta doesn’t initiate another trade in the next 48 hours, expect Atlanta to select an offensive lineman with its first pick.
The team’s defense improved greatly on paper today, and the offensive skill players are loaded with Pro Bowlers Roddy White at wide receiver, Michael Turner at running back and Matt Ryan at quarterback. Also, the ceiling continues to rise on last year’s top pick, wide receiver Julio Jones.
The Falcons have established themselves as regular playoff team over the last four years, but they have also stated publicly how they want to “take the next step.” Therefore, the team’s first pick (55th overall) on Friday looks to be about finding a player that will be instant contributor.
The smart money says Atlanta selects a versatile guard/ tackle or right tackle that new offensive line coach Pat Hill can use to push the pile in short yardage situations and/or upgrade pass protection immediately.
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