Atlanta Falcons Free Agency: Signings Reveal a Plan for Free Agency and Draft

The Atlanta Falcons seem to be in the middle of executing a plan that will strengthen the team in the long run. Several players have been brought back to play in the fall, and in doing this the team has also revealed some of their strategy.

Placing the franchise tag on Brent Grimes was the best use of that tool. If he can stay healthy, Grimes will reduce opponents' options in the passing game.

It is interesting to note that Grimes is always referred to as a short and small cornerback, but he is listed as being the same height and weight as Dunta Robinson. You never hear of Robinson being called short or small.

Grimes is even listed as being taller than Chris Owens, go figure.

The Falcons have extended safety Thomas DeCoud. This surprised me because even an over-the-hill Lawyer Malloy was much better than him.

The only thing I can assume is that the Falcons must plan on finding a better cornerback somewhere. Maybe they will go out and trade for Asante Samuel, who is not essential to the Philadelphia Eagles.

By the way, Samuel is about the size of Grimes and Robinson. He plays much more aggressively than Robinson, and he could help Atlanta. With this deal, DeCoud would be a better player, too.

With Atlanta signing Kroy Biermann, it appears the team is prepared to let John Abraham walk if he doesn't get real with his contract demands. Biermann and Lawrence Sidbury could both show great improvement by playing more.

Maybe the Birds are planning on bringing in Mario Williams, but I don't see it. He has been hurt the last two years, and his price will be steep. I think it's time for roster players to step up.

There is the possibility that the Falcons bring in another free-agent offensive lineman. Finding an O-line starter in the draft will require time and luck, which is usually in short supply in the NFL.

I am a little surprised that Curtis Lofton hasn't already been wrapped up. I don't even have a guess as to why. To think that Thomas DeCoud was signed first makes me think it was just the easier thing to do.

Here's to hoping that that is not part of the plan.

Finally, with many of the Atlanta Falcons' moves a result of a sort of chess match with the New Orleans Saints, it appears this rivalry may be tipping in Atlanta's favor. It would surprise me if the Falcons didn't go for the jugular and make a move just to get a better advantage.

This is such a fun time of year. Stay tuned.