Atlanta Falcons Sign LB Lofa Tatupu: What It Means

The Atlanta Falcons have reached an agreement with former Seattle Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu in a move that may give more insight into the team's offseason plans.

Tatupu, who was out of football all of last season, has had a history of knee injuries and concussions in the past. He was, however, a three-time Pro Bowler in six seasons with the Seahawks.

The signing comes a day after the Falcons worked out the 29-year-old free agent, and the impact could be two-fold.

Team impact

With 2011 draft pick Akeem Dent already providing depth at the middle linebacker position, the acquisition of Tatupu could only mean he's coming to Atlanta to take on the starting job.

That could spell the end of Curtis Lofton's tenure with the Falcons when free agency opens on Tuesday.

Lofton has been a four-year starter at MLB for the Falcons since being drafted 37th overall by the team in 2008. He led the team in tackles the past three seasons and has been strong against the run.

Unfortunately, that has its positive and negative. While Lofton has played like one of the league's top linebackers the past few seasons, he believes it's time for him to get payed like it.

Considering the Falcons have already applied the franchise tag to cornerback Brent Grimes and re-signed Thomas DeCoud, Kroy Biermann and Jason Snelling, it's becoming increasingly unlikely Lofton is in the team's future plans. If he were, one would think Atlanta would have taken care of him early.

Add to that the report that new Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Nolan views Lofton as only a two-down linebacker. If the team doesn't see Lofton as a three-down player, then they probably won't pay him like one.

Free agency impact  

With Atlanta's signing of Lofa Tatupu all but assuring Lofton's departure from the Falcons, that could give the team more cap room to pursue free agent Mario Williams.

It's no surprise the Falcons are rumored to target the coveted six-year pro. Atlanta's biggest weakness last season was arguably its pass rush, and with DE John Abraham set to test the open market, it would be surprising for the team to leave that position unaddressed until draft day.

If the Falcons are going to sign an established pass-rusher to fill the possible void left by Abraham, why wouldn't they go for the top defensive end available in Williams?

A top player obviously doesn't come cheap, however, and at a cost nearing the $90 million range, Williams would probably be the team's only big signing this offseason.

Re-signing Lofton would more than likely cost the Falcons around the $45 million contract LB Ahmad Brooks just signed with San Francisco, which would leave the team with little cap space to bid for Williams.

Ultimately, that leaves Atlanta to decide between making a serious run at Williams or re-signing Lofton.

And if the recent addition of Tatupu is any indication, it would seem that decision has already been made.