Deal or No Deal

The Atlanta Falcons are back at it in Flowery Branch. Most of the key players from a season ago are back in the fold. Julio Jones and Ray Edwards have been added to the mix. A lot of people are saying Super Bowl. Is this Atlanta's year? Time will tell, but before the season starts there may be one more turning point. Not to worry Falcon fan, Thomas Dimitroff is holding all the cards.

Brent Grimes was aquired in 2007. He was a rookie free agent out of Shippensburg. Last year, he worked his way into the starting lineup and earned himself a trip to Hawai'i as a Pro Bowl alternate. This offseason he became a restricted free agent. In other words, he could land with another team, but the decision is ultimatley Atlanta's.

The Falcons extended Grimes a first round tender (1 year 2.6 million). Team's have until August 20th to make an offer or he's a Falcon. If someone offers him more money, the Falcons have the option to match it. Of course, Grimes could accept the first round tender and be in training camp right now. He would then become an unrestricted free agent in 2012.

Here's why Thomas Dimitroff holds all the cards. First of all, if Grimes gets away, the Falcons get a first round pick in next years draft. Keep in mind the Falcons gave up a 2012 first round pick to get Julio Jones. Second of all, Dominique Franks was already fingered to compete with Grimes for the 2nd corner spot. Finally, as D Orlando Ledbetter pointed out this morning, Asante Samuel is available.

I don't blame Grimes for trying to cash in on an outstanding year. No one ever thought he make it. Go make as much money as you can, you've earned it. From the Falcons standpoint, it doesn't really matter what he decides, because the Falcons have plenty of options. That is why you can talk about the Falcons as a legit Super Bowl contender. These ain't your daddy's Birds.