The Atlanta Falcons drastically needed to improve both their offensive and defensive lines this off season, they made significant strides to achieving that goal within hours of the free agent market officially opening on Tuesday. Two of three players signed were drafted by Scott Pioli while he has general manager in Kansas City, Pioli is now the Falcons assistant GM in Atlanta.
The Falcons signed right guard Jon Asamoah previously with the Chiefs to a five year deal believed to worth around $4.5 Million a year for the 25 year old. Asamoah’s agent claimed that his client could have earned more money elsewhere.
“We have agreed to a deal,” said Joe Panos, Asamoah’s agent. “Jon took less to go to Atlanta, flat out. The reasons are because number one, he knows they are going to win. The stability of the organization and the guy he’s blocking for, Matt Ryan and the coaching staff and Mike Tice.
Tyson Jackson a run stuffing defensive end who is better suited to a 3-4 defense, a scheme the Falcons are rumored to be moving towards was the second former Chief to sign in Atlanta yesterday. The deal for 25 year old Jackson was $25 Million over five years. The Falcons also signed defensive tackle Paul Soliai, who was formerly coached by Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Nolan in Miami
Soliai’s deal is worth $33 million over five years with $14 million guaranteed, $11 million due in the first year. Soliai received a $7 million signing bonus, $2 million roster bonus, $2 million guaranteed base salary in 2014, $3 million guaranteed base in 2015.
“We were focused on adding pieces along our offensive and defensive lines and I feel we were able to accomplish that today,” Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said in a statement released by the team. “We believe that Paul and Tyson will add stoutness and grittiness to our defensive front and will help in the run game. Jon is a solid offensive lineman that has started 41 games during his four-year career that will bring some ruggedness to our offensive front.”
Yesterday the Falcons also resigned defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux to a three year deal and offensive lineman Joe Hawley to a two year contract.
The Falcons did save around $3 Million in cap space when they cut free safety Thomas DeCoud in a move that has been expected for the last few weeks. The Falcons also had to cut future Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez who has yet to file his retirement papers even though he won’t be back. The non filing of papers from Gonzalez cost the Falcons $1.75 Million in cap space.
Zennie Abraham