The Hot Read: Brent Grimes

There has been a lot of talk recently about the possibility of Brent Grimes leaving the Falcons this off season in search of a larger contract.  Many people are leaning towards the belief that if Grimes does test the free agent market successfully and leaves our team, then our secondary will suffer greatly.  I, on the other hand, do not think that the Falcons will suffer that big of a loss if he leaves and I’ll tell you why.

First off, I want to say that I am a fan of Mr. Grimes.  He is without a doubt the best corner back on the Falcons defense.  I also do believe that they should make resigning him a priority this off season.  But, losing him would not hurt us as much because the secondary is already very suspect as it is. The Falcons pass defense was ranked a dismal 20th this season with him in the lineup.  If the Falcons lost him to free agency, there is not much room to fall.

Secondly, Grimes has proven over the last couple of years that he is one of the better corners in the league as he has been a pro bowler.  Knowing this, Grimes is probably going to want to get paid the big bucks this off season.  If the Falcons choose to not resign him then they could use some of that money to help sign draft picks or go after another free agent corner on the same caliber of Grimes.  However, lets hope they do not make the mistake of signing another Dunta Robinson has he has been a very large disappointment.

Another direction the Falcons could go is the trade route.  If the Falcons decide to resign Grimes, one thing they could do is trade him to another team for a few draft picks.  Which as every Falcons fan knows, we are lacking in that department for this upcoming draft.  In my mind, Grimes is worth at least one first rounder or even several late round picks.  This could help the front office gain the building blocks for a defense that under Mike Nolan can be a top echelon type of defense.

Now, like i said at the beginning, I am a huge fan of Brent Grimes.  His athletic ability is at the top tier for his size and position.  But the Falcons have to think about what is best for the team.  Not for one person.  I do hope they resign him, but if they don’t, I personally do not see the down side in letting him go.