Atlanta Falcons lose CB McClain, reportedly sign TE Tamme

Former Atlanta Falcons cornerback Robert McClain has signed with the New England Patriots, after a free agency period in which he had several suitors. McClain flew under the radar in free agency, mainly due to the presence of a lot of top tier corner talent, but he did draw interest from several teams. The move was potentially first hinted at last week, in a tweet from McClain himself, seen below.

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McClain joined the Falcons in 2012, and saw consistent playing time at the nickel corner position. He provided solid depth to a secondary going through major personnel changes, and was always ready to step up when required. Throughout three seasons in Atlanta, McClain recorded 186 tackles, with 3 interceptions. The Falcons may wish to replace his production either through free agency, the draft, or by cross-training players, or they may feel the position has been addressed with the recent signing of CB Phillip Adams.

Dezmen Southward is rumored to be converting from safety to cornerback, and this transition could help mitigate the loss of McClain. For a corner who didn’t haul in a lot of interceptions, Robert McClain will likely always be remembered by Falcons fans for his goalline INT of Drew Brees in last season’s week 15 contest. Best of luck to Bobby Mac, we’ll always have that wonderful pick.

Sep 14, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Jacob Tamme (84) celebrates his touchdown in the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

With one player leaving, the Atlanta Falcons are set to address another need on the roster by meeting with former Colts and Broncos tight end Jacob Tamme. Per the Denver Post, Tamme met with the Falcons in recent days and Vaughan McClure tweets that Tamme has agreed to terms with Atlanta. A talented backup rather than a clear cut starter, Tamme will join an offense sorely in need of some tight end production. He struggled for playing time behind Julius Thomas, but the 30 year old has shown that he can catch a pass or two during his six seasons in the league. The Falcons still have room to add a tight end in the draft should they so choose, but with the likes of Charles Clay and Jordan Cameron off the market the Falcons made a sensible move for a low risk veteran in free agency.

What are your thoughts on the roster moves? Should the Falcons have worked harder to keep McClain, and can Tamme provide enough to draw some pressure away from the other Falcons offensive weapons? Let us know below, and stay tuned to Blogging Dirty for more Atlanta Falcons free agency news.