If finding talented players out of nowhere were a game, the Falcons would be fantastic at it. Such was the case with third-year CB Brent Grimes, the 5'10 freak of nature out of Shippensburg. After starting a few games in 2009 but still not even a lock to make the roster, Grimes listened to good 'ole Samuel L Jackson and rose up... literally, like five feet straight up. Both he and veteran Brian Williams will be free agents this offseason.
Brent Grimes: This one is really a no-brainer. There have already been several indications that Grimes was the best cornerback on the team by far. The returning tandem of Grimes and veteran Dunta Robinson, coupled with the continued growth of Thomas DeCoud and William Moore at safety, has the secondary looking really strong in 2011.
The Falcons clearly want Grimes back, having already placed a first-round tender on him before the lockout began. However, with three years of NFL experience under his belt, he would become an unrestricted free agent following next season. Given that Grimes recently hired a pair of new agents, he clearly wants an extension in the near future. The Falcons would be very wise to give him one.
Brian Williams: Unlike Grimes, there's basically no future here for Williams. A couple of years back, I liked Williams alot as a small-time signing, and he ended up being a great contributor on defense. Unfortunately he's no longer young and has never been all that durable, so I think the Falcons made the right call.
They'd be smart to try and ink a backup CB in free agency, given that depth behind Grimes and Robinson is pretty thin.
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