Sometimes teams say they don't want to overpay for players in free agency, but then reality presents itself with unforeseen options.
Both the Atlanta Falcons and the Tennessee Titans have struck poses which would make them unlikely to create a big splash in free agency when it starts on March 13. But in the case of each, it could make sense to do so – to strengthen a weakness and to weaken a key division rival who is struggling with salary cap space in the first place. Incidentally, both teams also have owners who revel in the kind of headline-making sensation that big signings create.
In the Falcons' case, they are faced with the near-impossible task of re-signing 17 free agents. General manager Thomas Dimitroff said in January that the reality is that they will keep less than half that number. In recent seasons, the Falcons have made big splashes with trades (Tony Gonzalez in '09, Julio Jones in '11) or free-agent signings (Dunta Robinson in '10, Ray Edwards in '11). Now, in the collective minds of the Falcons' front office, is the time when they have to look after retaining the core that has helped them to make the playoffs in three of the last four seasons while also upgrading. It’s a tricky balance.
In the Titans’ case, the new regime of coach Mike Munchak, as he enters his second season, and general manager Ruston Webster, entering his first, is looking to grow from within. At the NFL Scouting Combine, Webster was asked whether the Titans would make a big splash with a free-agent pass rusher.
"I don’t really want to overpay for anybody," he said, "but the one position probably that can happen with the most is pass-rushing defensive linemen."
Neither the Falcons nor Titans had the kind of production they wanted last season from the offensive line. The Falcons' issue was they they could not pass-protect long enough to institute the vertical passing game they wanted and they could not convert on short yardage in key situations. As a result, they brought in a new offensive line coach in Pat Hill.
For a variety of reasons, Titans running back Chris Johnson did not have the stellar type of season the team has come to expect from him. Right guard Jake Scott is a free agent and might not be back. Center Eugene Armano has been subject of speculation in terms of a position change. Some feel the Titans will sign one free agent on the offensive line and likely draft a player there, as well.
"You’re looking at all your options in the offseason," Munchak said at the combine. "I could be standing here thinking we’re not necessarily going to do something, then all of a sudden in free agency we feel there’s a lineman out there that could really make a difference."
For the Titans, that lineman could be Houston center Chris Myers. According to ProFootballTalk.com, the Texans' top 51 players under contract will count for $118.9 million under the salary cap with the cap expected to be around last season's $120-million threshold. Plus, the Texans have to re-sign running back Arian Foster, one of the league’s best. Myers keeps saying that he wants to stay; as a sought-after commodity, he could explore free agency.
Myers could be the kind of lineman who, in Munchak’s words, "could really make a difference." A Pro Bowl pick last season, Myers hasn’t missed a start in five seasons. The center is the brains of any offensive line. Losing Myers might not only help the Titans, but it also could hurt the team projected to repeat in the AFC South -- Houston. Besides, wouldn’t Titans owner Bud Adams, a long-time Houston oil man, love to stick it to the team in his home town?
The same is true for the Falcons and 6-foot-5, 343-pound left guard Carl Nicks, a two-time Pro-Bowler and a first-team All-Pro last season for New Orleans. The Saints are reportedly trying to restructure the contract of defensive end Will Smith to create cap room, as they, too, are working with tight constraints. PFT says the Saints' top 51 players total $109.6 million under the cap.
Add in the fact that the Saints are in the midst of a contentious contract negotiation with quarterback Drew Brees, who is coming off a record-setting season. Brees' contract, by some estimates, could cost New Orleans between $20 and $24 million annually. No doubt the Saints will have to pony up. Without Brees, there is no NFC South title in 2011, no Super Bowl crown in 2009-10 and not much hope for 2012.
That could mean casualties elsewhere and that the Saints are vulnerable. Nicks is in a similar predicament to Myers. He wants to stay, but he also wants to get paid. He posted on Twitter, "So I guess people are getting hot so I'll just say this... I want to be a saint but I want what's fare (sic)... Be mad... If u don’t like it..." He also posted that he doesn’t want to be hit with the franchise tag, which would ensure the Saints would retain him. If the Saints cannot complete a deal with Brees by Monday – the last day teams have to use the franchise tag option -- they would have to tag Brees, which could potentially free up Nicks to become a free agent.
With all of the problems the Falcons had last season at right guard – using three different players in that spot without an injury to any – they could plug Nicks in at left guard and move Justin Blalock to the right side, helping to solidify the line. That move could make Hill an instant coaching genius.
And wouldn't Falcons owner Arthur Blank like the headlines generated by the move while hurting his team’s arch-rival?
The capologists might have to burn some midnight oil for both the Falcons and Titans to make these moves work. Atlanta’s contracts reportedly total $101.5 million and they might have to cut some players, notably former starting left tackle Sam Baker, who could go in any event.
The Titans have a little more room at $94.5 million. If Jake Locker wins the starting quarterback job out of camp and they elect to cut Matt Hasselbeck, they could reap big savings.
Choices, choices. It's what being an NFL general manager is all about.
