Atlanta Falcons Place Franchise Tag on CB Brent Grimes

The Falcons have placed the franchise tag on cornerback Brent Grimes, as GM Thomas Dimitroff announced on 790 the Zone this morning. They are still going to be looking into a long-term extension for the pro bowl cornerback and will view this as a way to guarantee him in Atlanta not just for the short term, but long term as well.

Why It Makes Sense for Grimes

Brent will get to keep his family in Atlanta. He also gets to continue to negotiate for a longer term deal. He is guaranteed at least $10.5 million this season, so he will be able to provide for his family and will be getting the money he truly deserves in the form of a longer term contract.

Why It Makes Sense for the Falcons

Mike Nolan loves physical and athletic corners. However, the one thing Nolan has said about corners is that it’s pretty easy to find athletic corners who can keep up with a wide receiver. The hardest thing to find is someone with the drive, determination and heart to be great. Grimes has all three of those qualities and will quickly endear himself to Coach Nolan.

This would also allow the Falcons to spend some more time trying to make sure that Curtis Lofton and Thomas Decoud don't leave. By franchising Grimes, the Falcons buy themselves some more time with him so that they can work out multiple long-term deals this offseason.

Falcons fans should still expect to see Grimes sign a long-term deal this offseason. Grimes and Dimitroff both know his value and will be using the franchise tag as a base for any guaranteed monies in the contract Grimes will sign. Atlanta fans should be excited because in Nolan’s defense Grimes will go from a pro bowl corner to a top-five corner.