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After coming up far short in their Super Bowl push, the Atlanta Falcons took some big hits in the first few days of free agency.
The Falcons lost five starters and picked up only one notable player, fullback Ovie Mughelli, a fierce blocker who's rushed for a grand total of 50 yards in four NFL seasons.
Defensive end Patrick Kerney is the most prominent defection. The 2004 Pro Bowler opted out of his contract and agreed to a $39.5 million deal with Seattle late Monday, saying he felt the Seahawks gave him the best chance to win a Super Bowl.
Kerney's new contract includes $19.5 million in guaranteed money, which the Falcons had no chance of matching under the salary cap. They went into free agency with only about $10 million to spend, and have just over $6 million left.
Also Monday, the Falcons released starting offensive guard Matt Lehr and formally cut ties with free agent receiver Ashley Lelie, who signed with the San Francisco 49ers.
On Friday, the first day of free agency, the Falcons released injury-plagued middle linebacker Ed Hartwell, along with special teams ace Ike Reese. And when Mughelli agreed to an $18 million deal that included a $5 million signing bonus, Atlanta decided against retaining incumbent fullback Justin Griffith, a free agent.
General manager Rich McKay wasn't available for comment Tuesday, but the Falcons clearly are paying a price for owner Arthur Blank's decision to spend freely the last few years, including a $137 million deal for quarterback Michael Vick.
After reaching the NFC championship game during the 2004 season, Blank made it clear he expected to go even farther last season with high-profile additions on defense. The Falcons signed three-time Pro Bowl end John Abraham to a $45 million deal with $18 million in guaranteed money. They also picked up safety Lawyer Milloy and nose tackle Grady Jackson.
http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory?id=2930215
The Falcons lost five starters and picked up only one notable player, fullback Ovie Mughelli, a fierce blocker who's rushed for a grand total of 50 yards in four NFL seasons.
Defensive end Patrick Kerney is the most prominent defection. The 2004 Pro Bowler opted out of his contract and agreed to a $39.5 million deal with Seattle late Monday, saying he felt the Seahawks gave him the best chance to win a Super Bowl.
Kerney's new contract includes $19.5 million in guaranteed money, which the Falcons had no chance of matching under the salary cap. They went into free agency with only about $10 million to spend, and have just over $6 million left.
Also Monday, the Falcons released starting offensive guard Matt Lehr and formally cut ties with free agent receiver Ashley Lelie, who signed with the San Francisco 49ers.
On Friday, the first day of free agency, the Falcons released injury-plagued middle linebacker Ed Hartwell, along with special teams ace Ike Reese. And when Mughelli agreed to an $18 million deal that included a $5 million signing bonus, Atlanta decided against retaining incumbent fullback Justin Griffith, a free agent.
General manager Rich McKay wasn't available for comment Tuesday, but the Falcons clearly are paying a price for owner Arthur Blank's decision to spend freely the last few years, including a $137 million deal for quarterback Michael Vick.
After reaching the NFC championship game during the 2004 season, Blank made it clear he expected to go even farther last season with high-profile additions on defense. The Falcons signed three-time Pro Bowl end John Abraham to a $45 million deal with $18 million in guaranteed money. They also picked up safety Lawyer Milloy and nose tackle Grady Jackson.
http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory?id=2930215
