2012 NFL Free Agents: Atlanta Falcons Prepared To Let MLB Curtis Lofton Walk?

The Atlanta Falcons' move to sign free-agent linebacker Lofa Tatupu Saturday may end up being nothing more than a safeguard. 

According to Orlando D. Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the move also makes it very clear that the Falcons may be preparing for the loss of Curtis Lofton, Atlanta's incumbent starter at inside linebacker, once free agency begins on March 13. 

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The move to sign Tatupu opens the door for Curtis Lofton to leave the team. Lofton, a second round pick in 2008, has been the team’s starting middle linebacker for the last four years.

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Tatupu signed a two-year, $5.5 million deal with the Falcons that is likely to be mostly incentive-based, as the 30-year-old linebacker has a long list of knee and concussion injuries. In fact, he sat out all of the 2011 season because of a knee injury that restricted any interest in his services once the Seattle Seahawks released him before the season.

If Lofton leaves in free agency, the move to Tatupu is likely to be a step backwards at the position. 

In 2010, Tatupu's last healthy year with Seattle, Pro Football Focus graded him as the fifth-worst inside linebacker in the NFL. Tatupu received negative ratings in both run and pass defense, plus he missed 14 tackles—the most of any inside linebacker during 2010.

Lofton, on the other hand, has been a stalwart for the Falcons defense sine 2008.

Last season, Lofton played on over 1,000 defensive snaps and was one of the best inside linebackers against the run. He also made the fifth-most "stops" of any player, which PFF counts as a tackle that constitutes a negative play for the offense.

In four seasons with the Falcons, Lofton has almost 500 career tackles, four sacks and three interceptions. He has started all but one game in four years and hasn't missed a contest. Simply put, Lofton is as consistent as they come. 

And if he hits the open market, Lofton could be in line for a big payday.

As Ledbetter points out, several linebackers—most notably D'Qwell Jackson and Ahmad Brooks—received monster deals this offseason.

Jackson re-signed with the Cleveland Browns for five-years worth $42.5 million ($19 million guaranteed), and Brooks got a six-year, $44.5 million extension ($17.5 million guaranteed) with the San Francisco 49ers.   

Lofton could warrant money in that range, whether it is from the Falcons or some other team in need of linebacker help on the open market. 

Either way, the Falcons' move to get Tatupu should signal a worry that they may not get a deal done with Lofton. Tatupu is a fine insurance policy, but this is far from a lateral move if the Falcons lose Lofton.